UCLA Star Lauren Betts Briefly Sidelined in National Title Game

Betts returned to the game after UCLA staff gave her an inhaler to address an issue with her throat.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:58pm

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UCLA women's basketball star Lauren Betts was briefly sidelined during the first quarter of the national championship game against South Carolina after telling the bench that she had something stuck in her throat. The UCLA training staff gave Betts an inhaler and examined her, and she was able to return to the game in the second quarter.

Why it matters

Betts is the anchor of the UCLA women's basketball team, averaging 17.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season. Her brief sidelining was a concern for the Bruins as they aimed to win the national title.

The details

Betts was taken out of the game in the first quarter after telling the bench that she felt like she had something stuck in her throat. The UCLA training staff quickly gave her an inhaler and examined her, and she was able to return to the game at the start of the second quarter. At halftime, Betts had 6 points on 3-of-6 shooting with 7 rebounds in 14 minutes of play.

  • Betts was taken out of the game in the first quarter.
  • Betts returned to the game at the start of the second quarter.

The players

Lauren Betts

A star player for the UCLA women's basketball team, averaging 17.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season.

UCLA Bruins

The women's basketball team from the University of California, Los Angeles, who advanced to the national championship game.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The opponent of the UCLA Bruins in the national championship game.

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What they’re saying

“UCLA star Lauren Betts was taken out in the 1st quarter of the National Championship after telling the bench that she had something stuck in her throat.”

— ClutchPoints, Sports media outlet

What’s next

Betts will look to continue her strong play as UCLA aims to win the national championship against South Carolina.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of Betts to the UCLA women's basketball team, and the team's ability to quickly address her issue and get her back on the court shows their preparedness and commitment to winning the national title.