Sienna Betts delivered a near-flawless performance, scoring 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting to lead No. 11 UCLA to a decisive 78-42 victory over UC Irvine on Thursday night. The Bruins established immediate dominance, never trailing after Betts hit a short basket just 12 seconds into the contest. UCLA’s explosive first quarter saw them build a 23-8 lead, setting the tone for a game where the Anteaters were never able to mount a serious challenge.
Bruins dominate paint and force 20 turnovers in dominant Big West opener
The Bruins’ offensive efficiency was highlighted by balanced scoring and elite ball movement, with 25 assists on 31 baskets. Elina Aarnisalo contributed 14 points, while Timea Gardiner added 12 and KK Bransford finished with 10, showcasing a versatile frontcourt. UCLA’s defensive pressure suffocated UC Irvine in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Anteaters went 0-for-11 from the field and committed seven turnovers, allowing UCLA to extend its lead by 14 points.
UC Irvine (0-1) struggled significantly from beyond the arc, hitting just three of 22 three-point attempts and shooting a dismal 24% overall. The Anteaters were also outscored 40-14 in the paint, a statistical disparity that proved insurmountable. Delaney White led UC Irvine with 12 points, while Ahrray Young recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome UCLA’s (2-0) superior execution and physicality.
Source: Yahoo Sports
