Lauren Betts scored a game-high 14 points to lead No. 1 seed UCLA past No. 16 seed Southern 84-46 in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday night at Pauley Pavilion.
After a five-minute scoring drought late in the second quarter allowed the Jaguars to cut a 20-point deficit by eight, Betts ended the skid with a spin move and layup that reignited the Bruins’ offense. The 6-foot-7 center added a free throw to cap the three-point play, helping UCLA pull away before halftime.
Betts, who shot 6-for-9 from the field, was the focal point of Southern’s defensive game plan. Despite facing frequent double and triple teams, she dominated inside and set the tone for the Bruins, who responded with a 21-7 third quarter to seal the victory.
“She’s a cheat code,” junior forward Janiah Barker said of Betts. “She leads the team, and we follow.”
UCLA (31-2) capitalized on free throws, sinking 11 in the third quarter alone, and saw balanced scoring, including a perfect 3-for-3 shooting night from junior guard Gabriela Jaquez, who hit two 3-pointers.
Southern (21-15) briefly threatened with a second-quarter surge, but UCLA’s defensive adjustments and size advantage proved too much.
“They’re not No. 1 for no reason,” said Jaguars guard DaKiyah Sanders.
The Bruins advance to face No. 8 seed Richmond on Sunday at 7 p.m. PT, after the Spiders defeated Georgia Tech 74-49 earlier in the day.
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Featured Image Photographed by Andrew Diaz/Daily Bruin.
