UCLA Dominates Penn State in High-Scoring Affair, Lauren Betts Reaches Milestone
UCLA delivered a commanding performance Wednesday, routing Penn State 97-61 at the Bryce Jordan Center.Lauren Betts led the charge with a game-high 25 points, simultaneously surpassing a significant career milestone of 1,500 total points. This victory marks the bruins’ seventh consecutive win, solidifying their position as a force in women’s college basketball.
The Bruins’ offensive prowess was on full display from the opening tip. They quickly established control, leading for all but 31 seconds of the contest. I’ve found that consistent offensive pressure is a hallmark of truly successful teams, and UCLA certainly demonstrated that today.
Here’s a breakdown of key contributors to UCLA’s victory:
* Lauren Betts: 25 points, surpassing 1,500 career points.
* Gianna Kneepkens: 17 points, including several crucial early three-pointers.
* Kiki Rice: 16 points, contributing to the balanced scoring attack.
* Sienna Betts: 10 points, rounding out the double-digit scorers.
UCLA entered the game averaging over 95 points per game since their only loss to Texas on November 27th. They continued that trend, finding their rhythm quickly in a relatively quiet arena. Betts showcased her efficiency, finishing 11-for-19 from the field.
The first quarter set the tone for the Bruins’ dominance. Kneepkens ignited the offense with three early three-pointers,pushing UCLA to a 13-2 lead within the first three minutes. This early surge forced Penn State to play catch-up throughout the remainder of the game. UCLA closed the first quarter on a 14-5 run, shooting an impressive 58% from the floor.
Penn State struggled to contain UCLA’s offensive firepower. The Bruins extended their lead throughout the second and third quarters, ultimately leading by as many as 37 points with 6:41 remaining in the fourth. They went into halftime with a commanding 46-23 advantage.
Despite the loss, Penn State had a couple of standout performers. Gracie Merkle led the Lady Lions with 15 points, while Kiyomi McMiller added 13.However, it wasn’t enough to overcome UCLA’s relentless attack. Penn State has now fallen to 1-15 against AP Top 10 teams since 2019.
Looking ahead, UCLA (13-1, 3-0 Big Ten) will aim to continue their winning streak. Their consistent scoring and balanced attack make them a team to watch in the conference and beyond. You can expect them to remain a significant contender as the season progresses.
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