UCLA’s women’s basketball team, ranked No. 4 nationally, secured a 97-61 victory over Penn State on the road, improving their season record to 13-1 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten Conference play.
Senior Lauren Betts led the Bruins with 25 points and tied Gabriela Jaquez for a game-high seven rebounds. Other key contributors included Gianna Kneepkens with 17 points, Kiki Rice with 16 points, and Sienna Betts adding 10 points. The Bruins demonstrated strong teamwork by assisting on 27 of their 36 made field goals. Graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker recorded eight assists without any turnovers.
Kneepkens was effective from beyond the arc, making five of her seven three-point attempts. Rice contributed six assists and four rebounds as well.
The Bruins established an early lead, starting the game with a strong offensive performance that forced Penn State to call an early timeout. By the end of the first quarter, UCLA led 29-12.
In the second quarter, Angela Dugalić sparked an 11-0 run with a three-pointer. Additional contributions came from Amanda Muse and continued efforts from Lauren Betts and Rice, helping UCLA double Penn State’s score at halftime, leading 46-23.
The second half saw continued dominance from UCLA. Kneepkens scored quickly off an assist from Leger-Walker, while Sienna Betts added baskets in the post. The Bruins outscored Penn State in the final minutes of the third quarter to extend their lead to 71-36 entering the fourth period.
Sienna Betts opened scoring in the fourth quarter with a basket assisted by Kneepkens. Christina Karamouzi also contributed late in the game with a layup and a three-pointer.
Following this win, UCLA will host No. 17-ranked USC at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday, January 3rd at 5 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast on Peacock and limited lower bowl seating has been released for public sale.
“Lauren Betts got in the paint for the first bucket of the game, setting an early tone,” according to UCLA Athletics’ account of the match.
