Lauren Betts' 23-point explosion sends UCLA back to the Final Four in dramatic fashion
Lauren Betts delivered a standout performance to lead UCLA to the Final Four for the second year in a row. The Bruins overcame an eight-point halftime deficit to defeat Duke 70-58 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Her dominant display earned her the title of Most Outstanding Player of the Sacramento 2 Regional.
The game took place on March 29, 2026, at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center. UCLA struggled early, trailing Duke by eight points at the break. But Betts took control in the second half, scoring 15 of her 23 points to fuel the comeback.
She finished with a double-double, adding 10 rebounds and 5 blocks to her tally. After the final buzzer, Betts joined teammates Gabriela Jaquez and Charlisse Leger-Walker in their signature celebratory dance on the court. Still in high spirits, she invited her high school coach and his assistant onto the court to share the moment. Her parents, Michelle and her father, were also there to celebrate the victory. Betts later wore a shirt with the message *'We're Not Done'* as she left the arena.
The win sends UCLA back to the Final Four, where they will aim to build on last year's success. Betts' performance—both statistically and as a leader—proved crucial in securing the team's place in the next round. The Bruins now prepare for their upcoming challenge in the national semi-finals.
