In a dominating performance, the top-ranked UCLA women’s basketball team showcased their prowess on Saturday as they cruised to a resounding 102-51 victory over Long Beach State in Long Beach, California. Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalic led the charge for the Bruins, each contributing 22 points to the team’s impressive offensive display.
From the opening tip-off, UCLA asserted their dominance, building a commanding 20-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Janiah Barker added to the offensive firepower with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Betts showcased her versatility with 10 rebounds, securing her seventh double-double of the season and the 20th of her career.
The Bruins’ performance on the boards was equally impressive, outrebounding Long Beach State 51-22 and overwhelming their opponents in the paint with a 66-22 advantage. Jada Crawshaw led the Beach with 19 points, but it was not enough to overcome UCLA’s relentless offensive and defensive pressure.
With this victory, UCLA improved to a perfect 10-0 record for the first time since 2019, firmly establishing themselves as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. The Bruins have been on a tear this season, winning their games by an average margin of 32.4 points and are set to maintain their top ranking in the upcoming Associated Press Top 25 poll.
This was not the first time UCLA has reached the century mark this season, with their other 100-point game coming in a dominant 101-52 victory over Arkansas earlier in the season. The Bruins’ high-scoring offense and suffocating defense have been key factors in their success and will be crucial as they continue their pursuit of a championship.
Long Beach State, meanwhile, fell to 5-4 on the season and struggled to contain UCLA’s offensive onslaught. The Beach have faced challenges against Big Ten opponents this season, dropping a previous game to Michigan by a wide margin.
A pivotal moment in the game came as the Bruins went on a decisive 15-0 run, stretching from late in the first quarter well into the second, propelling them to a commanding 36-8 lead. Dugalic was instrumental during this run, scoring seven points and finishing the first half with a total of 16 points on a perfect shooting performance.
The margin of victory for UCLA over Long Beach State was staggering, marking the third time in 51 meetings that the Bruins have defeated the Beach by at least 46 points. The Bruins’ dominance in this matchup underscored their strength and depth as a team.
Looking ahead, UCLA will aim to continue their winning ways as they host Cal Poly in their next game, while Long Beach State will look to regroup as they prepare to face Elon in their upcoming matchup. Both teams will seek to build on their performances and make strides towards their respective goals for the season.
