The UCLA Bruins are making headlines once again, securing a spot in the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. With a dominant 76-60 win over Ole Miss in the Sweet 16, UCLA has proven they are serious contender for the national title.
Lauren Betts Shines with Career-High Performance
Junior center Lauren Betts stole the show, scoring an incredible 31 points while making 15 of her 16 shot attempts. She also contributed 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists, controlling the game on both ends of the floor. Ole Miss had no answer for her presence in the paint, solidifying her status as one of the top players in the tournament.
Betts’ improvement this season has been remarkable. At 6-foot-7, she has always been a dominant force, but her refined footwork and decision-making have taken her game to a new level. If she keeps playing at this level, UCLA’s championship hopes remain strong.
UCLA’s Road to the Elite Eight
This marks the Bruins’ first Elite Eight appearance since 2018, but their success has been building all season. They won their first-ever Big Ten Women’s Basketball Championship by defeating USC 72-67 and finished with a historic 30-win season. This momentum has carried them through the NCAA tournament, and they show no signs of slowing down.
Next Challenge: A Rematch with LSU
UCLA is now preparing to face LSU in a highly anticipated rematch. Last year, LSU eliminated the Bruins in the Sweet 16, making this a shot at redemption. LSU’s Aneesah Morrow is coming off a dominant 30-point, 19-rebound game against NC State, so UCLA’s defense will need to step up.
Can UCLA Win It All?
The Bruins are playing their best basketball at the right time. Their offense is clicking, their defense is strong, and with Betts leading the charge, they have a real chance at making history. However, the competition only gets tougher from here.
A win against LSU would propel UCLA into the Final Four, bringing them one step closer to their first-ever national championship. Can they rise to the challenge? Stay tuned for more updates on UCLA’s journey, only on SportSnip.com!