On Thursday evening at Pauley Pavilion, Lauren Betts made history for UCLA by setting a new single-season blocks record. With six blocks in the game against Illinois, she brought her season total to 67, surpassing the previous record of 66 held by Monique Billings.
After winning the ball toss, Betts got the first shot of the game. Londynn Jones got a deep three-pointer off an assist from Kiki Rice. Moments later, Jones had the ball again, weaving past Illinois defenders for a layup. She quickly followed up with a steal and raced down the court for another layup.
In the second quarter, Rice gained possession but turned it over to Illinois. With less than a minute remaining in the first half, Gabriela Jaquez headed to the free-throw line, scoring one of two shots. UCLA enters halftime with a 32-18 lead, with Betts leading the Bruins with 12 points.
Early in the third quarter, Betts earned two free throws and made one of the two. Rice followed with a pair of successful free throws. Kendall Dudley picked up her third personal foul, sending Illinois’ Adalia McKenzie to the line, where she converted both shots. In the final minute of the quarter, Betts made one of two free throws, and UCLA held a narrow 43-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Betts continued to lead with 18 points scored.
Rice opened the final quarter with a three-pointer off an assist from Betts. Angela Dugalic sank another three-pointer, electrifying the Bruins’ crowd. Soon after, Rice scored back-to-back layups, sending Pauley Pavilion into a frenzy. She then followed with a successful free throw.
With two minutes left, Jaquez added a layup to extend UCLA’s lead over the Fighting Illini. Betts made both of her free throws with under a minute remaining. In the final 30 seconds, Rice also converted both of her free throws. The Bruins sealed their victory over Illinois with a final score of 70-55, with Betts leading the way with an impressive 22 points.
UCLA has three games left in the regular season, with the next two on the road. The Bruins will close out at home in Pauley Pavilion against their crosstown rival, USC.
UCLA's starting five huddle right before the start of the first quarter. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife
UCLA #1 Kiki Rice drives to the paint, blowing past Illinois defense. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife
UCLA #22 Kendall Dudley drives under the basket and scores a reverse layup over Illinois defense. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife
Illinois guard #24 Adalia McKenzie shoots over UCLA #51 Lauren Betts. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife
UCLA #11 Gabriela Jaquez shoots a floater in the key over Illinois #20 Berry Wallace. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife
