The UCLA women’s basketball team secured a spot in the Elite Eight after defeating Minnesota 80-56 in the Sweet 16 at Golden 1 Center, according to a March 27 announcement. Senior Kiki Rice led all scorers with 21 points and was perfect from the free throw line.
This advancement marks the second consecutive season that UCLA has reached the Elite Eight. The Bruins, now holding a record of 34-1, assisted on 20 of their 32 field goals and out-rebounded Minnesota by six boards. Senior Lauren Betts achieved her milestone of collecting her thousandth career rebound during this game, while graduate forward Angela Dugalić joined the one-thousand career point club.
UCLA dominated play inside, outscoring Minnesota in the paint by thirty points and preventing any fast break points from their opponent. Sienna Betts contributed off the bench as a freshman forward, making an immediate impact with rebounds and scoring opportunities. The Bruins led after every quarter and pulled away decisively in the second half.
The team’s defense set an early tone with steals on consecutive possessions and continued to pressure throughout, including multiple shot clock violations forced against Minnesota. Offensive contributions came from several players including Rice, Lauren Betts, Dugalić, Jaquez, Kneepkens, Lena Bilić, Sienna Betts, and Christina Karamouzi.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s regional final on March 29 at noon Pacific Time at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, UCLA will face either LSU or Duke for a chance to advance further in the tournament. The game will be nationally televised by ABC.
