"Hope she's ok", "UCLA still whooping a**": Fans react as Lauren Betts misses second game in a row after ankle injury
Hoop fans reacted on social media as UCLA star Lauren Betts missed her second consecutive game due to an ankle injury. Betts sat out in No. 1 UCLA's bout with Creighton on Friday.
The junior center did not suit up in the match against the Bluejays after sustaining a minor lower-body injury. She was previously sidelined during UCLA’s 32-point victory over Cal Poly on December 16, where her absence was noticeable early on.
Betts was also absent from the Invisalign Bay Area Women's Classic in San Francisco. Her absence is believed to be a precautionary measure, allowing her ample time to recover before UCLA’s final game of 2024 against Nebraska on December 29.
Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the injury update.
“UCLA vs. Creighton is about to tip on Fox Sports 1......Lauren Betts isn't playing tonight, but no reason was given on air. Hope she's OK,” tweeted @hoopism.
"No Lauren Betts tonight for No. 1 UCLA against Creighton. Significant. The 6’7” center put up 20 and 10 against the Jays in the NCAA Tournament last March," Hurrdat Sports reporter Jacob Padilla noted.
"Lauren Betts in sweats. Is that precautionary or is she potentially out another game?" @themightybruins reacted.
"Hmmmm no Lauren Betts again tonight ….. not having 20/10 on the floor is gonna be interesting…….especially against a team like Creighton who is so fundamentally and systematically sound…….." added @MadamMaziel.
Despite Betts’ absence, UCLA’s strong performance impressed fans. The Bruins managed a commanding 70-41 win at the Chase Center. The Bruins improved to a 12-0 record via the win and mnaged some great feats in the game, including holding Creighton to four points in the first quarter.
"No Lauren Betts tonight and UCLA still whooping ass 🏀," remarked @saistarxo.
"UCLA is absolutely dog walking Creighton rn without Lauren Betts," tweeted @PlayoffPaolo.
"Tell me more about how UCLA isn’t a top 25 team without Lauren Betts….." wrote @StevieSports822.
"So a decent Creighton team is just gonna lay down and get blown out by UCLA with no Lauren Betts. Not an ounce of competition from Creighton whatsoever 🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♂️," @CWTalksSports said, criticizing Creighton’s effort.
Betts’ absence remains a significant loss for UCLA. Averaging a double-double, she is the Big Ten’s third-leading scorer with 19.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. Last season, she recorded 13 double-doubles and has already achieved seven this season, including one against Long Beach State.
How Will UCLA Adjust Without Betts?
With star center Lauren Betts still sidelined, other UCLA players are expected to take on increased minutes and contribute more in terms of scoring, rebounding and overall performance.
This adjustment has already worked well for coach Cori Close’s team as several forwards stepped up during the Bruins’ recent game against Cal Poly.
Janiah Barker delivered an outstanding all-around performance in that matchup, tallying 12 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, three assists and three steals. Off the bench, Timea Gardiner was effective, contributing 11 points, six rebounds and a block. Senior forward Angela Dugalić also showcased her versatility in a starting role, recording 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block.
If Betts remains unavailable, Close can rely on Barker, Gardiner, and Dugalić to take on more responsibility, contributing additional points, rebounds, and blocks to help fill the void left by the star player.