UCLA Defeats Illinois as Lauren Betts Sets Single-Season Blocks Record

The No. 3 Bruins overcame a scrappy No. 25 Illinois team with a strong fourth quarter and a record-setting performance by Lauren Betts.

Lauren Betts returned from a right foot injury to score 22 points, grab seven rebounds, and block six shots, setting a UCLA single-season record with 67 blocks.
The Bruins secured a 70-55 victory over Illinois, marking their eighth win against a ranked team this season and improving their record to 25-1 overall and 13-1 in the Big Ten.
Kiki Rice contributed 16 points and five rebounds, while Angela Dugalić added 10 points and eight rebounds for UCLA in a balanced team effort.
Illinois, despite being short-handed with only eight players available, rallied to cut a 15-point deficit to four in the third quarter before UCLA pulled away in the fourth.
The Bruins remain in contention for the top spot in the Big Ten and are close to securing a double bye in the upcoming conference tournament.