In a turnaround fadeway, freshman forward Sienna Betts recorded her first in-field points, propelling UCLA past the 100-mark for the first time since December 2024.
Under the shining bright lights in Pauley Pavilion, No.4 UCLA women’s basketball (10-1, 1-0 Big Ten) left zero room for doubt after defeating Cal Poly (2-8, 0-2 Big West), proving that their AP Poll ranking was more than just a number. Maintaining a consistent lead throughout, the Bruins closed out the game with an 87-point margin of victory, winning 115–28.
The first quarter started strong as senior center Lauren Betts was credited with scoring eight of the first ten points for the Bruins. The chemistry on the court was unmatched after graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker scored a three-pointer, thanks to an assist from freshman guard Lena Bilić. Soon after, two-sport athlete, senior Gabriela Jaquez missed a three-point attempt, but Betts secured the offensive rebound and converted the second chance with a putback-layup.
Despite a solid finish to the first quarter both senior guard Kiki Rice and graduate forward Angela Dugalić missed their first attempts at a three-point shot. However, playing off an opponent’s turnover, Dugalić took the next opportunity to redeem herself and put in a bucket for the Bruins. Graduate guard Gianna Kneepkens
kept the plays fluid after she stole the ball from the Mustangs, scoring a layup off her fast break. The Betts sisters worked side-by-side inside the paint in an attempt to make a two-point shot, and after a foul by Cal Poly, Sienna Betts earned her first college points from two free throw shots. Dugalić ended the quarter, beating the buzzer with a three-point swish.
Forward Sienna Betts prepares to shoot a free throw. Betts pulled no punches in her first game for the Bruins post-injury, proving a formidable force on the court. Photographed by Asher Nee/BruinLife.
Center Lauren Betts gears up to shoot as four Cal Poly players including guard Katie Peiffer attempt to block her. The defense was futile, as Betts easily scored another two points for the unstoppable Bruins. Photographed by Asher Nee/BruinLife.
Guard Kiki Rice races across the court as the Bruins gain possession of the ball. Rice would go on to score 23 points, nearly as many as the entire Cal Poly team combined. Photographed by Asher Nee/BruinLife.
Guard Charlisse Leger-Walker careens past Cal Poly defenses on her way to a layup. Leger-Walker missed the shot, but went on to score 14 points for the Bruins. Photographed by Asher Nee/BruinLife.
Rising star Sienna Betts takes a shot in the final seconds of the third quarter. Sienna Betts and her sister Lauren Betts made for a formidable duo on the court. Photographed by Asher Nee/BruinLife.
The Bruins used their momentum to carry themselves throughout the third quarter. UCLA’s defense forced 19 turnovers, which they converted into 36 points of their own. After picking her opponent’s pocket, Leger-Walker converted the steal into two points, bringing her total to four steals. All three freshmen on the Bruin’s roster saw time on the court, and the Bruins were knocking on the door of 100 points right before the start of the fourth quarter.
After a foul made by Cal Poly, Leger-Walker scored the first two points in the quarter. Kneepkins threw in a three, followed by a lay-up with an and-one, placing the Bruins one point shy of 100. Sienna Betts broke into the 100 with a shot made just outside of the paint, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Lauren Betts finished the game with a double-double, totaling 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Up next, the Bruins will take on Long Beach State on Dec. 20 at Pauley Pavilion.
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Featured Image Photographed by Asher Nee/BruinLife
