UCLA’s women’s basketball team, ranked No. 2 nationally, defeated No. 8 Michigan 69-66 in Ann Arbor on Sunday. The win improves UCLA’s record to 23-1 overall and 13-0 in Big Ten play, while Michigan falls to 20-4 and 11-2 in the conference.
Senior center Lauren Betts recorded a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds, also contributing five assists, three blocks, and a steal. Graduate guard Gianna Kneepkens scored 10 of her 12 points in the first half, helping UCLA stay competitive early. Senior Kiki Rice led the Bruins’ offense after halftime, scoring 16 of her game-high 20 points in the second half and making all eight of her free throws during that period.
Four UCLA players finished with double-digit points: Rice (20), Betts (16), Gabriela Jaquez (13), and Kneepkens (12). The Bruins out-rebounded Michigan by a margin of three, finishing with a total of 41 boards compared to Michigan’s 38.
Sunday’s victory was notable as it marked UCLA’s first win this season when scoring fewer than 70 points. Of their total output, forty-six points came from inside the paint.
The game remained close throughout. After trailing at the end of the first quarter, UCLA took a narrow lead into halftime at 33-30. In the second half, Rice increased her scoring pace while Betts continued to be effective on both ends of the court.
Late in the fourth quarter, Rice extended UCLA’s lead to eleven with an and-one layup but Michigan responded with a run that cut the deficit to three points in the final seconds. A missed free throw by Jaquez gave Michigan one last chance; however, Syla Swords’ long-range attempt missed as time expired.
UCLA will continue its road trip against No. 12-ranked Michigan State on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at East Lansing. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on Peacock.
