What happened to Lauren Betts? Why did the UCLA star not play vs Creighton? (Dec 20)
The No. 1 UCLA Bruins faced the Creighton Bluejays on Friday night at Chase Center without star center Lauren Betts. She missed her second consecutive game after suffering a leg injury in UCLA's 51-point win over Long Beach State on Saturday.
Betts has been a vital cog for the Bruins this season, averaging 19.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks through 10 games. UCLA coach Cori Close eased concerns about Betts' injury after she didn't see action in the Bruins' 69-37 win over the Cal Poly Mustangs on Monday.
"Lauren is not in a serious situation so we're hoping to get her back very soon," Close said. (Timestamp 2:20)
Close discussed how Betts picked up her injury in the press conference following the win over Cal Poly.
"What cannot be allowed is taking our players out at the legs," Close said. "That's the reason that Lauren Betts is out today, because of a play that happened just like that."
Close and the Bruins decided not to risk Betts against the Bluejays, a team they last faced in the NCAA Tournament back in March. Betts led the Bruins to a 67-63 win in that contest, recording a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. According to the broadcast, Betts' absence against Creighton due to her leg injury was precautionary.
UCLA Bruins dominate against Creighton Bluejays without Lauren Betts
Lauren Betts' absence wasn't a problem for UCLA as the Bruins cruised to a 70-41 victory over Creighton in the Bay Area Women's Classic. Two players scored in double figures for the Bruins, who improved their overall record to 12-0.
Kiki Rice starred for UCLA, scoring 20 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists. She helped the Bruins take a commanding 42-23 lead at the break, scoring 15 of her 20 points in the first half. Rice shot 6 of 10 from the field during that stretch, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.
Angela Dugalic also stepped up for UCLA, scoring 13 points and collecting 14 rebounds to record her second double-double of the season. She also had three assists, two steals and two blocks against the Bluejays, who dropped to 9-3 with the loss.