Top-ranked UCLA defeated Nebraska 91-54 in their Big Ten home opening on Sunday, led by 21 points from Lauren Betts, 18 from Kiki Rice, and Betts’ comeback.
After missing two games due to a leg injury she suffered at Long Beach State on December 14, Betts, the Bruins’ top scorer, returned. The Bruins (13-0, 2-0 Big Ten) dominated the boards, 48-18, with her eight rebounds.
Rice was flawless, making both of her free throws and all eight of her field goal tries. Before she sat down with 4:14 left, she had four steals and six rebounds.
It was the 300th victory for UCLA coach Cori Close. In her 14 seasons at the institution, she had a 300-140 record.
With 12 points, Amiah Hargrove led the Cornhuskers (10-3, 1-1). Nine more points were added by Callin Hake.
Takeaways
Nebraska: The Huskers led by a point twice in the second quarter after maintaining a competitive game in the first half. However, they only scored 24 points in the second half and had six players with three or more fouls.
UCLA: The Bruins were occasionally careless and were playing their first game in nine days. Before playing No. 23 Michigan, they will need to reduce their turnovers (26), as well as make better 3-point shots (4 of 17).
Key moment
The Bruins led 37-30 at the half and took the lead in the third. They held the Cornhuskers to just four field goals and outscored them 31–13. UCLA’s first five points came from Rice. Janiah Barker and Betts both had six.
Key stat
Alexis Markowski of Nebraska was restricted to three points and two rebounds, despite his team-high average of 15 points and 8.3 rebounds. She had four fouls and was only 1 of 8 from the field.
Up next
No. 4 USC faces No. 23 Michigan on Wednesday, while UCLA hosts JuJu Watkins.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!