Lauren Betts has been the cornerstone of UCLA women’s basketball success this season. The 6-foot-7 center has been truly dominant, with averages of 19.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. Her performance has put her in strong contention for the prestigious Wooden Award as her contributions were outstanding enough to help lift UCLA to a national No. 1 ranking and sustain a staggering 23-game winning streak prior to a recent loss to USC.

However, Betts sat out UCLA’s game against No. 22 Michigan State with a right foot injury, leaving questions about how well the team could function without her.

On the Elle Duncan Show on ESPN, Elle Duncan stated: “If we’re asking the question of ‘can this team can do anything without Lauren Betts?’, the answer is no. This team can beat Michigan State without Lauren Betts, ranked no.22. Solid Michigan State team, but still. But absolutely they need her. She is central to everything that they want to do and need to do. And there’s not a more dominant five in the entire league.”

But it should be noted that UCLA also defeated Michigan State 75-69 without Betts. Teammates who chipped in included Janiah Barker with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Timea Gardiner, a forward for UCLA, said the team’s shared ability to “step up” was key, noting, “Obviously, we’re missing a huge piece with Lauren out, but everyone stepped up in their own way and I think that makes a really great team.” 

Betts’ stats have shown how important she has been. The dominant center notched up nine double-doubles in just 13 appearances as a junior and scored a career-high 33 points in a game against Maryland along with an eye-popping 9 blocks in a game against Baylor. As things stand, Betts already has more assists and steals than her sophomore season and we are just midway into the season!

Her ability to affect the game on both ends of the court has turned UCLA from a Sweet 16 team into a bona fide title contender. But as the cliche goes, one player doesn’t win a game — it takes a whole team.

Lauren Betts leading UCLA’s historic title contention

UCLA’s remarkable season, with a No. 3 national ranking and a 24-1 record, can be attributed in large part to Betts’ dominance in the paint. Southern California coach Lindsay Gottlieb called Betts “maybe the most unique player in college basketball”. Noting her ability to dominate the offensive and the defensive end like few players. The center has been a critical piece of the Bruins’ run to the top.

With March Madness fast approaching, UCLA is one of the favorites to take the title. Along with other powerhouses like South Carolina and Notre Dame. And yet the team’s hope for success in the tournament may depend greatly on whether Betts is healthy enough to play. While the Bruins have proven very resilient — even defeating Michigan State recently shorthanded without their star center. When it comes time for the NCAA tournament, they will certainly need her on the floor against the nation’s elite teams.

Ultimately, Lauren Betts isn’t just UCLA’s best player — she’s their glue. They may shockingly fall short of their championship goals without her. With NCAA tournament play set to begin, and UCLA in search of its first national title in school history, Betts’ health will be the key to the Bruins’ success.