UCLA dominates UT Martin with a 97-37 victory in first game as top team
- UCLA Bruins defeated Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks 97-37 in their first game as the top-ranked team.
- Lauren Betts led UCLA with 18 points and 12 rebounds, marking her fourth consecutive double-double.
- The victory highlights UCLA's strong start to the season, improving their record to 6-0.
On November 29, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii, the UCLA Bruins, ranked No. 1 in the nation, showcased their dominance in college basketball by overwhelming the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks with a decisive 97-37 victory during the opening game of the Rainbow Wahine Showdown. The Bruins, standing at a strong 6-0 record, never trailed in the game, presenting an impressive performance characterized by their high shooting accuracy of 53% from the field, as well as a significant 47-29 advantage in rebounds over their opponents. This marked UCLA's first game as the leading team in the country, which followed a historic win against a No. 1-ranked team just days prior. Lauren Betts, a 6-foot-7 junior center, continued her stellar performance by scoring 18 points and recording 12 rebounds, marking her fourth double-double in four games and her fifth of the season. Gabriela Jaquez contributed with 17 points, making all her shot attempts, showcasing the Bruins' depth and skill on the court. Other notable performances included Londynn Jones and Timea Gardiner scoring 11 points each, while Janiah Barker added 10 points along with seven rebounds and five assists. The Bruins clearly outperformed their opponents, dominating points in the paint and bench scoring, where they scored 48 points in the paint compared to just 10 from UT Martin. The Skyhawks, who were only able to shoot 24% from the field, struggled throughout the match, further complicating their season, now standing at 1-5. They had previously reached the NCAA Tournament the previous year and were anticipated to finish strong in the Ohio Valley Conference. The game was particularly disappointing for them as it marked their 46th loss against ranked opponents, with UCLA taking full control after an initial brief run by UT Martin early in the match. UCLA responded quickly after UT Martin closed the gap to 10-9, executing an 11-0 run that solidified their commanding lead. UCLA's performance was fascinating in that they scored 40 points off of 28 turnovers committed by UT Martin, which significantly contributed to the final score. Following this dominant win, the Bruins are scheduled to face Fresno State next. For the Skyhawks, the upcoming game will be against the tournament host, Hawaii, in hopes of finding a way to turn their season around.