UCLA guards praise teammate Lauren Betts after NCAA tournament win

Kiki Rice, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Lena Bilić discuss Betts' career night and team's passing in victory over Oklahoma State

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:20am

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The top-seeded UCLA Bruins defeated Oklahoma State 87-68 in the second round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament, led by a career-high 35 points from center Lauren Betts. After the game, Bruin guards Kiki Rice, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Lena Bilić praised Betts' dominant performance and the team's unselfish passing that contributed to the win, as UCLA clinched its fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16.

Why it matters

UCLA's victory over Oklahoma State showcases the Bruins' depth and balanced attack, with the guards consistently finding Betts for high-percentage shots. The team's chemistry and passing ability will be crucial as they advance deeper into the NCAA tournament.

The details

Betts scored 35 points on 15-of-19 shooting, adding 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The Bruins finished with 24 assists on 33 made field goals, with the guards making several impressive passes to Betts in the post. Leger-Walker capped the night with a backhanded pass from behind the 3-point line to Betts for the final basket, as UCLA emptied the bench in the closing minutes.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 24, 2026.
  • UCLA (33-1) will face Minnesota in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The players

Lauren Betts

UCLA's All-American center who scored a career-high 35 points in the win over Oklahoma State.

Kiki Rice

UCLA guard who was interviewed about Betts' performance and the team's passing.

Charlisse Leger-Walker

UCLA guard who made a highlight-reel pass to Betts late in the game and was interviewed.

Lena Bilić

UCLA guard who was interviewed about the team's win and trip to the Sweet 16.

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What they’re saying

“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

UCLA will face fourth-seeded Minnesota in the Sacramento 2 Regional semifinal on Friday, March 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The takeaway

UCLA's balanced attack and unselfish play, led by its talented backcourt, has propelled the Bruins to their fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. The team's chemistry and ability to get the ball to their dominant center Betts will be key as they continue their NCAA tournament run.