Lauren Betts delivered 16 points and a game-sealing block in the closing seconds, propelling UCLA to a hard-fought 51-44 victory over Texas on Friday night. The win sends the Bruins to the women’s NCAA Tournament national championship game for the first time in program history.
UCLA’s Dominant Season Continues
The Bruins, now 36-1, posted the best record in school history after dominating their path to the Final Four. Last year, they fell to eventual champion UConn in the semifinals. This season, UCLA faced the lone team that defeated them—Texas (35-4)—and flipped the script with superior play.
Game-Changing Fourth Quarter
UCLA built a commanding 13-point lead midway through the final quarter. Texas, renowned for its elite defense, mounted a 12-2 surge to close the gap to 47-44. Betts halted the rally by swatting All-American Madison Booker’s shot with 20 seconds remaining. Kiki Rice then sank two free throws to secure the victory for coach Cori Close’s squad.
The Bruins advance to Sunday’s title clash against three-time champions South Carolina, who halted UConn’s perfect season and drew ire from Huskies coach Geno Auriemma.
Standout Performances and Struggles
Booker endured a tough night, scoring six points on 3-of-23 shooting after starting with a make and missing her next 17 attempts. UCLA’s physical edge and defensive focus neutralized Texas’s threats throughout the grinding contest.
