Is Lauren Betts playing today vs Indiana? Injury status on UCLA star (Jan 4)

UCLA center Lauren Betts is ready to suit up for the Bruins' Big Ten Conference matchup against Indiana on Saturday noon ET at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana.

Betts, who missed two games due to a leg injury she sustained in UCLA's game against Long Beach State on Dec. 14, returned to action on Dec. 29 in the Bruins' 91-54 demolition of Nebraska, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 28 minutes of play.

She returned three days later against No. 24 Michigan, scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and four blocks in 35 minutes. UCLA won the action-packed clash 86-70.

The 6-foot-7 Spain-born superstar has been the Bruins' frontcourt maven in the 2024-25 college basketball season, averaging 19.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.2 blocks per game in 28.3 minutes.

On paper, Lauren Betts should have an easy time breaking down Indiana's defense, as no player stands higher than 6'4. The Hoosiers have three active players who are 6-foot-3. They are guard and top scorer Yarden Garzon and forwards Lilly Meister and Karoline Striplin.

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Lauren Betts' passing gives additional dimension to her game

UCLA center Lauren Betts has developed an additional facet to her all-around game, making her a multi-skilled threat on the frontcourt. Her points, rebounds, and blocks are already a given due to her 6'7 frame, but once the opposing team clamps down on defense and double-teams her, beware.

She's ready to pull off a kick-out pass to an open teammate who will be squared off to shoot a long-range jumper or an easy twinner close to the basket. In her last game against Michigan, Betts recorded five assists to tie the season-best she set against Louisville.

The UCLA big has put twice four dimes up against South Carolina and Pepperdine, and she's expected to add more assists to her name in future games. Coach Cori Close did a splendid job adjusting the team's offense to create cutting lanes when Betts and other teammates were doubled.

The adjustment also benefitted Kiki Rice, who finished with 10 assists. The Bruins' scheme against Michigan created off-ball movement, which intended to find the open player through passing and cutting to the basket.

Indiana may likely throw Michigan's ploy of doubling Betts out of the window because of the damage it caused the Wolverines in that game. They might go man-on-man against the UCLA center to minimize the damage of other players producing against them.

It's going to be pick-your-poison for Indiana, and the Hoosiers should find a way to hold Betts down to stand a chance of giving UCLA its first loss of the 2024-25 college basketball season.