- 6'7center scores 31 points with 93.8% field goal accuracy
- UCLA makes first Elite Eight appearance in six seasons
- Bruins hold SEC opponents to 42.3% shooting in tournament
In a masterclass of post dominance, Lauren Betts rewrote UCLA's tournament record books with a 15-of-16 shooting performance that propelled the Bruins to a 76-62 victory over Ole Miss. The sophomore phenom's 31-point outburst marked the second-highest scoring total in program NCAA Tournament history, while her 10 rebounds completed her eighth double-double of the season.
The Bruins' path to Sunday's regional final against LSU showcased their offensive evolution. After struggling against physical SEC defenses earlier this season, UCLA converted 54% of second-chance opportunities against Ole Miss. Coach Cori Close emphasized post rotations: When Lauren demands double teams, our perimeter shooters get cleaner looks – that's championship basketball.
This victory extends UCLA's Pac-12 legacy in the Pacific Northwest. The Bruins have now won seven consecutive tournament games played in Washington state since 2017, including three conference championship victories. Regional analysts highlight the economic impact of these deep tournament runs, with Spokane hotels reporting 92% occupancy from traveling UCLA fans.
Betts' defensive presence proved equally crucial, with three blocks pushing her season total to 93 – third-most nationally. Her rim protection forced Ole Miss into 18 mid-range jumpers, which the Rebels converted at just 33% efficiency. The Bruins' +14 rebounding margin marked their best performance against ranked opponents this season.
Sunday's LSU matchup presents a strategic challenge, as the Tigers allow only 5.2 post touches per game. However, UCLA's balanced attack – featuring Kiki Rice's seven assists against Ole Miss – suggests multiple scoring options. Bett's 16 first-half points demonstrated her ability to control tempo, a critical factor against LSU's transition-heavy offense.
The Bruins' tournament success continues to reshape West Coast basketball dynamics. With USC's JuJu Watkins sidelined, UCLA emerges as the primary Pac-12 championship contender. Athletic department officials confirm preliminary discussions about moving future home games to Crypto.com Arena to accommodate growing fan demand.