Full Breakdown
UCLA Women's Basketball Advances with Dominant Performance
3/23/2026, 9:48:51 AM
Dominant First Round Victory
The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, seeded first in the NCAA tournament, showcased their strength with a commanding 96-43 victory over the California Baptist Lancers in the opening round. This win marked the largest postseason victory in the program's history and brought their season total to 32 wins, the most in a single season. The Bruins, who have only lost one game this season, are now set to face the ninth-seeded Oklahoma State Cowgirls, who advanced after defeating Princeton 82-68.
Key Players and Performance
UCLA's success was driven by standout performances from several players. Center Lauren Betts led the team with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Kiki Rice contributed 18 points and seven assists. Despite a slow start, the Bruins dominated the second half, allowing only nine points in the final two quarters. Coach Cori Close emphasized the need for better execution and communication after a lackluster first half, which ended with UCLA leading by just 10 points.
Oklahoma State's Challenge
The Cowgirls, with a record of 24-9, are looking to upset the Bruins. Oklahoma State's guard Haleigh Timmer expressed confidence in her team's ability to compete, stating, "We wouldn’t be surprised if we won." The Cowgirls have faced UCLA twice before at Pauley Pavilion, losing both encounters. Coach Jacie Hoyt acknowledged the challenge posed by UCLA's size and skill, particularly highlighting the difficulty of defending against Betts.
Official Statements & Responses
Cori Close addressed her team's performance, stating, "It's not the fact that we missed shots... It's when we don't execute the scouting report." She expressed confidence in her players' ability to learn from their mistakes and improve for the upcoming game against Oklahoma State. Close noted that the team leaders took accountability for the first half's shortcomings, indicating a strong internal culture of responsibility.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the overwhelming victory, some critics pointed out UCLA's first-half struggles, suggesting that the team needs to maintain focus against tougher opponents. Social media reactions highlighted concerns about the Bruins' performance, with fans expressing frustration over the close score at halftime. However, the second half's performance quelled these worries, as UCLA outscored California Baptist significantly.
What's Next
UCLA will face Oklahoma State on Monday at 10 p.m. ET at Pauley Pavilion, aiming to secure a spot in the Sweet 16. The matchup promises to be a test for both teams, with the Bruins looking to continue their strong tournament run and the Cowgirls seeking to make a significant upset.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's not the fact that we missed shots," Close said of the Bruins' first half.” — Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach
- “We wouldn’t be surprised if we won,” — Haleigh Timmer, Oklahoma State Guard
- “I have so much confidence every time she has the ball that she’s either going to go up and finish it or kick it out,” — Haleigh Timmer on Achol Akot, Oklahoma State Forward
- “And that this is not a situation where the coaches want it more than the kids,” — Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach
The upcoming game against Oklahoma State will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the NCAA tournament.
