Lauren Betts and UCLA return to Final Four with unfinished business

The Bruins' elite status cannot be minimized, and neither can Betts' legacy, but UCLA says its work isn't done.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:35am

UCLA senior center Lauren Betts led the Bruins to a 70-58 victory over Duke in the Sacramento 2 Region final, securing a second straight trip to the Final Four. Betts scored 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked 5 shots, and had 3 assists, dominating the game despite Duke's best efforts to slow her down. The Bruins trailed by 8 points at halftime but rallied in the second half, with Betts challenging herself and her team to not lose. UCLA is determined to win a national championship this year after falling short in last year's Final Four.

Why it matters

UCLA's return to the Final Four solidifies the program's elite status in women's college basketball. Betts, considered the best collegiate post player in America, has been a driving force behind the Bruins' success. However, the team is not satisfied with just making the Final Four, as they are focused on winning a national championship to cap off Betts' legacy.

The details

In the Elite Eight matchup against Duke, UCLA trailed by double figures for much of the game before Betts took over in the second half. She scored 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked 5 shots, and had 3 assists to lead the Bruins to victory. Duke tried various defensive strategies to slow down Betts, but her size, skill, and determination were too much for the Blue Devils to handle.

  • With less than a minute remaining, UCLA had a 10-point lead over Duke.
  • At halftime, UCLA trailed Duke by 8 points and had committed 12 turnovers.

The players

Lauren Betts

A 6-foot-7 senior center for UCLA, considered the best collegiate post player in America. She scored 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked 5 shots, and had 3 assists in the Elite Eight victory over Duke.

Charlisse Leger-Walker

A UCLA senior who dished the assist to Betts for a key late-game basket.

Angela Dugalić

A UCLA senior forward who said the team's goal is to win a national championship.

Kiki Rice

A UCLA senior guard who expressed confidence in Betts' abilities to lead the team.

Cori Close

The UCLA head coach who decided to have the team cut down the nets after the Elite Eight victory, signaling the program's rise to a new level.

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What they’re saying

“We're not excited just to get to the Final Four. We want to win.”

— Lauren Betts, UCLA Senior Center

“We have a job to do, and that's to win a national championship.”

— Angela Dugalić, UCLA Senior Forward

“She's really focused and really wants to be a good player. And she already is, but I think she has a chance to be a really good player at the next level as well.”

— Kara Lawson, Duke Head Coach

What’s next

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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.