“So proud of Lauren Betts and our entire program.” That was Cori Close back in December 2024, and now, Betts is proving her right all over again. Game after game, she’s not just stuffing stat sheets—she’s making statements. Her presence is a problem, her impact undeniable. And if there was ever any doubt about UCLA’s title aspirations, Betts just sent a loud and clear response.

A recent post on X by Big Ten Women’s Basketball highlighted the moment: “Lauren Betts with (six) blocks tonight set a new program record with 67 on the season.” It was a performance that encapsulated her impact beyond the box score—she wasn’t just swatting shots; she was protecting UCLA’s championship ambitions. Head coach Cori Close put it bluntly when addressing UCLA’s defensive strength: “We have Lauren Betts, and they don’t.”

On a night when UCLA asserted its dominance against Illinois with a 70-55 victory, Betts delivered a historic performance, setting a new single-season record for blocks. Her six rejections in the game propelled her season total to 67, surpassing the 66 set by Monique Billings in 2016-17. The milestone broke a 41-year-old mark, emphasizing UCLA’s continued rise in women’s college basketball since its NCAA debut in 1984.

Betts’ impact extends beyond this record-breaking night. She ranks 10th nationally with 62 blocks, 6th in blocks per game (2.80), and 8th in field goal percentage (62.03%). Add to that her 13 double-doubles—tied for 11th nationally—and her importance to UCLA’s success becomes even clearer. The Bruins ranked No. 3, are eyeing not just a Pac-12 title but a deep NCAA Tournament run, and Betts emerges the heart of it.

Against Illinois, Betts led the charge with 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting, seven rebounds, and six blocks in 34 minutes. Kiki Rice added 16 points, helping UCLA move to 25-1 on the season.

Bruins poised for Pac-12 supremacy as Betts leads the charge

With three games left, the Bruins—projected as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament—sit just half a game behind Southern California for the top spot in the Pac-12. Illinois, despite a valiant effort, fell short. The Illini, who had an eight-game winning streak, snapped, pulled within four points early in the fourth quarter but couldn’t keep up with UCLA’s relentless attack. A key stretch saw the Bruins go on an 8-0 run, punctuated by Rice’s five points, putting the game out of reach. The Bruins’ advantage in points in the paint (46-24) underscored their interior dominance—where Betts once again proved to be the difference-maker.

Despite UCLA’s recent 71-60 loss to crosstown rival USC—their first setback of the season—the NCAA Tournament selection committee kept the Bruins as a No. 1 seed in their early bracket reveal done on 15 February. Joining them on the top line were South Carolina, Texas, and Notre Dame. USC, meanwhile, was rewarded with a projected No. 2 seed, alongside LSU, UConn, and NC State.

Betts’ rise mirrors UCLA’s ascent. In a season filled with milestones, her ability to anchor the defense while producing offensively has made her indispensable. Against Illinois, she wasn’t just a shot-blocker—she was UCLA’s backbone, altering shots, controlling the glass, and commanding attention in the paint.

Her journey has been one of resilience and dominance, much like the Bruins’ pursuit of their first national title since 1978. With each block, each basket, and each victory, Betts is etching her name deeper into UCLA’s storied history. And if Cori Close’s statement is any indication, opponents will have to contend with that reality: UCLA has Lauren Betts—and their rivals do not.