Lauren Betts Leads UCLA to 82-67 Win Over Washington and Clinches Big Ten Share

LOS ANGELES — Lauren Betts poured in 23 points on 11 of 15 shooting with eight rebounds as No 2 UCLA defeated Washington 82-67 at Pauley Pavilion on Thursday night to secure a share of the Big Ten regular season title with its 20th consecutive victory.

The Bruins (24-1, 14-0 Big Ten) can claim the conference crown outright with a win over visiting Wisconsin on Sunday which would mark a second consecutive Big Ten title in Los Angeles following USC’s championship last season in the first year both schools competed in the league.

Betts scored the Bruins first six points in the second quarter as part of a 14-5 run building a 19 point advantage and expanding UCLA’s early 22-12 lead. Gianna Kneepkens added 17 points Kiki Rice contributed 13 and Gabriela Jaquez and Angela Dugalic each tallied 10 points. The Bruins maintained control through the third quarter holding a 63-48 lead entering the fourth despite Washington’s sporadic spurts.

The Huskies (19-8, 9-7 Big Ten) were led by freshman Brynn McGaughy who scored 19 points off the bench more than double her season average. Avery Howell contributed 17 points while Sayvia Sellers averaging a team high 19.3 points was limited to 14 points and seven assists while navigating four fouls. Washington struggled to consistently slow down UCLA’s offensive rhythm particularly on Betts dominant presence in the paint.

The Bruins performance continues a historic streak matching a program best 20 game winning run and demonstrating depth with contributions from multiple starters. Washington meanwhile will aim to regain momentum as they host Nebraska on Sunday while UCLA prepares for its final regular season home game against Wisconsin seeking to secure sole possession of the Big Ten title.