UCLA’s women’s basketball team, ranked No. 2 nationally, secured a decisive 44-point win over Indiana on Sunday, improving their season record to 25-1 and remaining undefeated in Big Ten play at 15-0. The game took place in Los Angeles.
Graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker and senior center Lauren Betts set the pace early for the Bruins. Leger-Walker matched Indiana’s second quarter scoring with 10 points, finishing the half with 12 points, while Betts achieved a first-half double-double by recording 12 points and 10 rebounds along with a block.
The Bruins committed only four turnovers during the contest, marking their lowest of the season. They also gathered 51 rebounds— their highest against a Big Ten opponent this year.
Senior Kiki Rice was particularly effective in the second half, contributing 15 of her game-high 17 points during that period. She finished shooting six-for-eight from the field and added nine rebounds, two assists, and no turnovers.
Seven UCLA players scored in double figures: Kiki Rice (17), Lauren Betts (16), Charlisse Leger-Walker (12), Gianna Kneepkens (12), Gabriela Jaquez (11), Sienna Betts (10), and Lena Bilić (10). All five starters reached double digits alongside two bench players.
Lauren Betts controlled the opening tip-off, which led to an early jumper from Gianna Kneepkens. UCLA quickly established momentum through efficient rebounding and capitalized on Indiana fouls. Leger-Walker added to UCLA’s early lead with contested jumpers and put-backs following offensive rebounds.
The Bruins began the second quarter on a nine-point run. Key plays included Gabriela Jaquez’s five consecutive points and Lena Bilić scoring both inside and beyond the arc. At halftime, UCLA led Indiana by a score of 47-20.
After halftime, Kneepkens opened scoring with an and-one conversion followed by additional contributions from Lauren Betts and Jaquez at the free throw line. Sienna Betts contributed offensively with aggressive moves to the basket while Kiki Rice continued her strong performance into the third quarter.
Entering the final period ahead by 42 points, UCLA maintained control as Jaquez added more baskets in the paint and Rice connected on multiple three-pointers. Defensive efforts were highlighted by blocks from Lauren Betts and Iva Dugalić.
Freshman Sienna Betts completed UCLA’s list of double-digit scorers late in the fourth quarter.
UCLA will next face No. 25 Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Thursday, February 19th at 7 p.m., broadcast on Big Ten Network.
