Lauren Betts leads UCLA to Sweet 16 with career-high 35 points

Top-seeded Bruins defeat Oklahoma State 87-68 to advance in NCAA Tournament

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:34am

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Lauren Betts scored a career-high 35 points on 15-of-19 shooting to lead top-seeded UCLA to an 87-68 victory over Oklahoma State in the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins led by as many as 25 points in the first half and repelled a third-quarter run by the Cowgirls to reach the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year. UCLA will face fourth-seeded Minnesota in the next round.

Why it matters

The win keeps UCLA's hopes alive for a return trip to the Final Four, which the Bruins have reached in three of the last four NCAA Tournaments. Betts' dominant performance also showcases the team's depth and ability to withstand challenges from opponents.

The details

Betts, a senior center, had nine rebounds to go along with her career-high scoring output. The Bruins raced out to a 21-6 lead after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 20 points by halftime. Oklahoma State made a run in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 13, but Betts scored 10 of UCLA's final 12 points in the period to restore control. The Bruins pulled away in the fourth quarter, with Betts adding another 10 points.

  • UCLA opened the game on a 9-0 run.
  • The Bruins led 46-26 at halftime.
  • Oklahoma State cut the deficit to 52-39 early in the third quarter.
  • Betts scored 10 points in the final minutes of the third quarter to make it 64-47 UCLA heading to the fourth.

The players

Lauren Betts

A senior center for UCLA who scored a career-high 35 points on 15-of-19 shooting and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Achol Akot

A player for Oklahoma State who scored 23 points before fouling out late in the game.

Jadyn Wooten

A player for Oklahoma State who scored 18 points and had 6 assists.

Gianna Kneepkens

A player for UCLA who scored 15 points.

Kiki Rice

A player for UCLA who scored 10 points.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.