UCLA star Lauren Betts delivered a stellar all-around performance as the No. 1 Bruins secured their 14th consecutive win this season. The team defeated No. 24 Michigan 86-70 on Wednesday to complete a sweep of its first Big Ten homestand.
Betts contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals, tying as the team's second-highest scorer. She shot 6-of-15 from the field in 35 minutes while committing just one foul and one turnover.
From the outset, UCLA capitalized on its size advantage, particularly with Betts. The Bruins consistently fed her in the paint, leading to several easy baskets, including an early layup to put UCLA ahead 6-2.
After Michigan tied the game at 11, Betts exploited her size against junior center Yulia Grabovskaia, receiving an entry pass for another uncontested layup. Her ability to gain position against smaller defenders made her a constant offensive threat.
Defensively, the 6-foot-7 center was equally dominant, recording four blocks, two steals and seven defensive rebounds. Her presence provided critical help in defense, stifling Michigan's offense. Additionally, her solid passing and spacing complemented UCLA's effective ball movement and unselfish play.
Betts' dominance extended beyond this game, as she continued her double-digit scoring streak. Last time out, she poured in 21 points in UCLA’s commanding 91-54 victory over Nebraska, continuing her impactful season.
UCLA Extends Dominant Streak
UCLA proved too deep for Michigan to keep pace with, despite some promising moments from the Wolverines. The Bruins' bench contributed 29 points, overshadowing the University of Michigan's bench, which managed just four.
In the fourth quarter, UCLA's 13-point lead was nearly halved, but the team quickly regained control. Key baskets by Angela Dugalic and Jones, combined with crucial defensive stops in the final 5 1/2 minutes, allowed the Bruins to stretch their lead to 20 points.
The Bruins highlighted several positives from their performance, including recording 29 assists on 35 made baskets and shooting an impressive 55.6% from the field. They also had advantages in steals (9-6), blocks (5-3) and points in the paint (48-34).
Next, UCLA begins a two-game Midwest road trip. The Bruins will face Indiana at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington on Saturday. The game is set to tip off at noon ET/9 a.m. PST and will air on FOX.
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