**Lauren Betts Powers No. 2 UCLA to 14th Straight Win Despite Foul Trouble**
Key Takeaways:
- Lauren Betts scored 23 points despite early foul trouble, leading UCLA over Illinois.
- The Bruins secured their 14th consecutive win and remained unbeaten in Big Ten play.
- UCLA dominated the paint and bench scoring despite poor three-point shooting.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The term “depth” continues to take on new meaning for UCLA basketball as the No. 2 ranked Bruins extended their winning streak to 14 games on Wednesday night, defeating Illinois 80-67 without making more than one three-pointer. Major credit goes to star center Lauren Betts, who overcame early foul trouble to score a game-high 23 points and tally 9 rebounds in less than 24 minutes of play.
Betts Shines After Bench Time in Opening Half
Betts, a 6-foot-7 AP All-American, looked like she might be a non-factor in the early stages of the game after picking up her second personal foul — and a technical foul — late in the first quarter. She was sidelined for the rest of the first half, returning after halftime with just six points to her name. But she made up for lost time, dominating the paint in the second half and finishing just one rebound shy of a double-double.
UCLA’s balanced attack was further highlighted by strong contributions from across the roster. Angela Dugalic added 12 points, while Gabriela Jaquez chipped in 11. Three other Bruins, including Betts’ younger sister Sienna Betts, each scored 10 points. The team was clinical inside, scoring 48 points in the paint compared to Illinois’ 24.
Streaking Bruins Continue to Avoid Upsets
The win pushes UCLA’s record to 20-1 overall and 10-0 in Big Ten play. The Bruins haven’t suffered a loss since falling to then-No. 4 Texas on November 26 in Las Vegas. In the ten games prior to facing Illinois, UCLA averaged over 91 points per game and defeated opponents by nearly 40 points, showcasing one of the most dominant stretches in women’s college basketball this season.
Wednesday night proved to be a slightly different scenario than recent blowouts. The Illinois Fighting Illini, led by a career-high 26-point night from Cearah Parchment, kept the game competitive. Illinois cut the Bruins’ lead to five points twice in the third quarter, but UCLA’s depth ultimately proved overwhelming. The Bruins outscored Illinois 24-12 in bench points and relied heavily on their size and high-percentage scoring opportunities to put the game away.
A Statement Win in Hostile Territory
With their strong showing on the road, UCLA is sending a clear message to other NCAA title contenders: this team isn’t just talented, it’s resilient. Winning despite poor perimeter shooting (just 1-of-10 from beyond the arc) and facing a hostile environment, the Bruins proved they can adapt. The team remains in contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament if current form holds through February and March.
Illinois dropped to 15-6 on the season and 5-5 in conference play. They played without injured standout Gretchen Dolan and have lost five of their last seven games following an 11-game win streak earlier this season. Still, the emergence of Parchment gives the Illini a reason for optimism entering the final stretch of the regular season.
Nationwide Spotlight and What’s Ahead
Lauren Betts’ performance is trending nationwide not only because of her statistical output but also due to her ability to lead under pressure. The game showcased her poise and elite skill set, confirming her status among the elite players in the country. With March Madness on the horizon, games like this highlight why many view the Bruins as legitimate title favorites.
Looking ahead, UCLA will aim to continue its undefeated march through Big Ten play. The squad’s next major test will come against nationally ranked opponents later this month, as they aim to secure favorable tournament seeding. For Illinois, their focus turns to bouncing back through improved perimeter defense and regaining health in time for a late-season push.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is UCLA basketball trending?
A: UCLA women’s basketball is trending after All-American Lauren Betts led the Bruins to their 14th straight win, defeating Illinois 80-67 despite early foul issues.
Q: What happens next?
A: UCLA looks to maintain their perfect Big Ten record as the postseason nears, with upcoming matchups against key conference rivals.
#UCLAWomenHoops
