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Lauren Betts Powers UCLA to Second Round in Historic NCAA Tournament Run

The 6-foot-7 center has emerged as a dominant force, helping UCLA secure its first-ever No. 1 overall seed and a commanding opening-round victory.

Mar 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Janiah Barker (0) blocks a shot by Southern Lady Jaguars guard Aniya Gourdine (1) during the third quarter of an NCAA Tournament first-round game at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (30) grabs a loose ball past Southern Lady Jaguars forward Sky Castro (rear) while UCLA Bruins guard Gabriela Jaquez (left) watches during the first quarter of an NCAA Tournament first-round game at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Londynn Jones (3) scores against Southern Lady Jaguars guard Aleighyah Fontenot (2) during the first quarter of an NCAA Tournament first-round game at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) puts up a shot during the second quarter against the Southern Lady Jaguars at an NCAA Tournament first-round game at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Overview

  • UCLA advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with an 84-46 win over Southern, led by Lauren Betts' standout performance.
  • Betts, a 6-foot-7 junior center, transferred from Stanford and is averaging nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game this season.
  • The Bruins earned the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament for the first time in school history, with Betts playing a pivotal role in their success.
  • Betts uses her platform to advocate for tall women, encouraging them to embrace their height and find confidence in their unique attributes.
  • Coming from an athletic family, Betts is a national player of the year candidate and is seen as a key figure in the growing prominence of women's basketball.