Lauren Betts spent pregame warmups with a smile because the UCLA girls’s basketball workforce welcomed their star middle again after she missed a sport due to a proper foot damage.
Gone was the strolling boot, and Betts wasted no time making an influence for No. 3 UCLA in opposition to No. 25 Illinois on Thursday evening. She scored the sport’s first basket on a turnaround layup and instantly made her presence felt on protection with a block on the different finish.
Betts completed with game-high 22 factors, seven rebounds and 6 blocks in UCLA’s 70-55 win at Pauley Pavilion. However the Bruins weren’t with out their flaws.
Initially it appeared just like the Bruins would run away in opposition to an Illinois workforce that dressed solely eight gamers due to damage. UCLA held a 14-point benefit at halftime — their largest lead of the sport — earlier than Illinois minimize it to only 4 factors, 43-39, by the tip of the third quarter.
The Bruins, nevertheless, pulled away within the fourth quarter, outscoring Illinois 27-16 to earn their eighth victory over a ranked opponent this season.
Betts performed 34 minutes, transferring fluidly within the submit as she showcased her turnaround strikes and up-and-under scoring. She confirmed no lingering results from her damage. The Bruins made her a focus early, feeding her often to use Illinois’ undersized defenders.
UCLA guard Elina Aarnisalo, proper, passes the ball as she falls in entrance of Illinois guard Genesis Bryant in the course of the first half Thursday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Instances)
Betts shot 9 for 18 from the sector as UCLA (25-1 general, 13-1 Massive Ten) dominated inside, scoring 46 factors within the paint. Kiki Rice performed a vital function, contributing 16 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Bruins had a bodily defensive efficiency, stopping Illinois (21-6, 11-5) from scoring on the rim with 10 blocks and disrupting passing lanes with 10 steals. Their defensive strain compelled 16 turnovers and saved the Illini out of rhythm.
Gabriela Jaquez led the workforce with three steals. Her relentless defensive effort induced confusion for Illinois.
Though it didn’t have an effect on the result, the Bruins misplaced ahead Janiah Barker early within the second quarter after she collided with Betts, who made contact along with her head. Barker didn’t return.
