UCLA Bruins dominate Southern Jaguars in March Madness opener
- In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, UCLA started strong with an 84-46 win against Southern.
- Lauren Betts led the Bruins with significant contributions, highlighting their dominance on both ends of the court.
- This victory sets up UCLA for a potential berth in the Sweet Sixteen as they continue their quest for postseason success.
In Los Angeles on March 21, 2025, the top-seeded UCLA Bruins faced off against the 16th-seeded Southern Jaguars in the first round of the women's NCAA Tournament. This encounter marked the initial clash between the two teams this season, as UCLA aimed for their first Final Four appearance. Lauren Betts, a standout player for the Bruins, led her team with 14 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots in a commanding performance that ended with an 84-46 score in favor of UCLA. The Bruins had a dominant game strategy, showcasing exceptional size and balance as eight players scored at least nine points each. UCLA's journey to this matchup follows a successful season, which included spending 13 weeks at the top of the AP Top 25 rankings and clinching the Big Ten tournament against rivals Southern California. The Bruins posted an impressive record of 31-2, consistently outscoring opponents. They ranked first in offensive rebounds and field goal percentage, emphasizing their dominance in the paint under the leadership of Betts, who was a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year award. In contrast, Southern Jaguars, with a record of 21-15, entered the tournament after securing a win against UC San Diego in the First Four round. They had won both the SWAC regular-season and tournament titles, demonstrating their competitiveness despite being significantly challenged by the Bruins in this matchup. Aniya Gourdine was the standout for the Jaguars, contributing 10 points to her team's total. The game was characterized by UCLA's ability to develop a robust lead, reaching a 59-33 advantage after three quarters, allowing coach Cori Close to effectively manage player minutes as they prepare for the next stage of the tournament. Following this decisive victory, UCLA is set to face the eighth-seeded Richmond Spiders, who achieved a historic first victory in the NCAA Tournament after defeating Georgia Tech with Maggie Doogan scoring an impressive 30 points. As UCLA's ambitions for the tournament continue, they aim not only to succeed in the upcoming matches but to establish themselves as one of the premier programs in women's college basketball history.