Lauren Betts, No. 2 UCLA crush Wisconsin ahead of USC rematch – Press Enterprise

MADISON, Wis. — The rematch can officially take center stage for the UCLA women’s basketball team.

Lauren Betts had 26 points and 10 rebounds and the second-ranked Bruins routed Wisconsin, 91-61, on Wednesday night to set up a showdown with No. 4 USC for the Big Ten title this weekend.

UCLA (28-1 overall, 16-1 Big Ten) moved into a first-place tie with USC (26-2, 16-1) heading into the regular-season finale Saturday night at Pauley Pavilion against the Trojans, who handed the Bruins their only defeat, 71-60 earlier this month at the Galen Center.

Betts made 11 of her 12 shots from the field and all four of her free throws for her 15th double-double of the season. Timea Gardner added 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting (4 for 6 from 3-point range) and 10 rebounds. Londynn Jones added 13 points, shooting 3 for 8 from 3-point range on a night when the Bruins were 10 for 25 (40%) from behind the arc.

After edging Iowa, 67-65, on Sunday to open the two-game trip, the Bruins avoided looking past Wisconsin. They made six of seven shots during a 12-2 run midway through the first quarter to take a 20-9 lead. UCLA shot 10 for 18 in the first period and held a 10-point lead (22-12) when it was over.

Ronnie Porter hit two free throws to pull the Badgers within 27-19 in the second, but UCLA responded with an 8-0 run and the Bruins held a 17-point lead at halftime.

Wisconsin missed its first seven shots of the third quarter as UCLA extended its lead to 55-30 midway through the period. The Bruins led 70-40 entering the final period.

The Bruins dominated the Badgers inside and out, outscoring their hosts 52-32 in the paint and 30-12 from 3-point range. UCLA shot 55% (37 for 67) from the field while holding Wisconsin to 38% (23 for 60).