UCLA secured its fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16 after defeating No. 8-seed Oklahoma State 87-68 in the Second Round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, according to a March 23 announcement.
The victory keeps UCLA’s postseason run alive and highlights the team’s strong performance throughout the season. The Bruins will next face No. 4-seed Minnesota on Friday, March 27, in Sacramento.
Senior Lauren Betts led UCLA with a career-high 35 points, shooting an efficient 15-for-19 from the field and adding nine rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in her final game at Pauley Pavilion. Graduate guard Gianna Kneepkens contributed 15 points with three three-pointers on six attempts. Seniors Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice each scored ten points; Jaquez also collected seven rebounds. Graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker finished with eight assists and no turnovers.
The Bruins held a slight edge on rebounding, finishing with a total of 34 boards compared to Oklahoma State’s 32. They also outperformed their opponent on offensive rebounds by grabbing 22 against OSU’s 19.
UCLA started strong by jumping out to an early lead and maintained control throughout most of the game. Freshman Lena Bilić made an impact off the bench in the second quarter by hitting two three-pointers and blocking a shot.
Looking ahead, UCLA will play Minnesota at Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento as part of the Sacramento Regional games for both Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds.
