Junior Lauren Betts was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points alongside 13 rebounds and five blocks against Rutgers (8-12, 0-9 Big Ten). Betts recorded her twelfth double-double in 17 games played so far this season.
Junior Kiki Rice also finished with a double-double, recording 10 points and a season-high-tying 10 assists. The game was Rice’s second double-double of her junior campaign.
The Bruins began their dominance in the first minutes of the game. Betts scored the first points of the game with a made layup in the first minute of play, and the Bruins went up 8-0 after the first two minutes. Gabriela Jaquez then laced a 3-pointer off of an assist from Rice. Jaquez went on to lead the quarter in scoring with five points, and Betts finished the first with four points and four rebounds. The Bruins finished the first quarter up 18-12.
UCLA extended its lead to double digits in the second quarter, finishing the second quarter up 45-29. Betts scored eight points in the quarter on perfect shooting splits while picking up three additional rebounds and swatting two shots. Rice and Londynn Jones both finished the quarter with two made three-pointers, with Jones finishing the half 3-for-3 beyond the arc. Rice also showed off her elite playmaking skills, finishing the first half of play with six assists. The team was efficient on the offensive end in the first half, finishing the first twenty minutes shooting 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from three, and 100 percent from the free throw line.
Let it fly, lefty! ??
Deezy is 3?-for-3? from long distance! ??
??: FS1#GoBruins | @kiki_rice0 x @Deeezzy3 pic.twitter.com/2o8WtrPEOX
— UCLA Women’s Basketball (@UCLAWBB) January 24, 2025
The Bruins were effective on each end in the third quarter, outscoring the Knights 23-19. Angela Dugalić scored six points alongside three rebounds and an assist in the period. Betts added six points and four rebounds in the third frame, achieving her double-double in only three quarters. Jaquez made an impact on both sides of the ball, scoring four points and grabbing two offensive rebounds while also recording an assist and a block. Three other Bruins scored in the third quarter, including Janiah Barker, who scored on a turnaround layup through a double team.
JB making ’em dizzy ?????
??: FS1#GoBruins | @tyesouthside pic.twitter.com/eGHi6Fv4zk
— UCLA Women’s Basketball (@UCLAWBB) January 24, 2025
UCLA continued to score effectively throughout the fourth quarter to cement its 18-point win over Rutgers. Betts recorded another quarter shooting perfectly from the field, finishing the period with seven points. Freshman Zania Socka-Nguemen scored three points alongside four rebounds in the fourth. Elina Aarnisalo and Timea Gardiner also scored two points each in the fourth quarter to help pick up UCLA’s nineteenth-consecutive win this season.
UP NEXT – vs. Maryland (Jan 26)
UCLA will travel to College Park, M.D., to face off against No. 8-ranked Maryland at XFINITY Center on Sunday, Jan. 26. The game will tip off at 11 a.m. PST and will be broadcast on NBC.
In a thrilling matchup, No. 1 ranked UCLA dominated Rutgers with a final score of 84-66. The Bruins showcased their talent and depth, with multiple players stepping up to contribute to the team’s success.
From the beginning, UCLA set the tone with their strong defense and efficient offense. They controlled the game from start to finish, never allowing Rutgers to gain the upper hand.
Key players for UCLA included standout performances from their star players, who led the team to victory with their scoring and playmaking abilities. The team’s chemistry and cohesion were on full display, as they worked together seamlessly to outmaneuver their opponents.
This impressive win solidifies UCLA’s position as a top contender in college basketball this season. With their depth, talent, and determination, the Bruins are poised to make a strong run in the upcoming tournaments.
Congratulations to UCLA on their commanding victory over Rutgers! This win further cements their status as the No. 1 team in the country and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
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UCLA basketball, UCLA vs Rutgers, college basketball, NCAA basketball, UCLA victory, UCLA game recap, UCLA highlights, Rutgers defeat, UCLA 84-66 win
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