News Summary
In a thrilling match on February 15, 2025, UCLA women’s basketball secured a 75-69 win against No. 22 Michigan State. Despite star player Lauren Betts being sidelined, Janiah Barker stepped up with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The game was a tight contest with key moments leading to UCLA’s victory. Timea Gardner’s three-pointer and Kiki Rice’s clutch free throws in the final moments ensured a comeback for the Bruins, solidifying their record at 24-1.
UCLA Women’s Basketball Pulls Off Unstoppable Win Against Michigan State
Los Angeles was buzzing as the UCLA women’s basketball team took the court against No. 22 Michigan State on February 15, 2025. Despite the absence of their star player, Lauren Betts, who was sidelined with a right foot injury, the Bruins found a way to secure a thrilling 75-69 victory over the Spartans.
Let’s set the scene: Betts, the towering 6-foot-7 starting center, was a noticeable absence in the lineup, sporting a hefty boot on her injured foot. This season, Betts has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting an average of 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, which made her injury all the more impactful for the team. Just a few games before this, she recorded her 13th double-double of the season against ranked USC, helping to keep the excitement alive for Bruins fans everywhere.
The Game Unfolds
As the game kicked off at the iconic Pauley Pavilion, UCLA faced off against Michigan State for the first time since 2003. Both teams knew the stakes were high; the Spartans were aiming for their first win against a top-ranked team since 2005, which only added to the tension.
In an unexpected twist, Janiah Barker stepped up to fill Betts’ shoes, and boy did she deliver! The dynamic player was a force on the court, finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Her contribution was vital, especially as UCLA was looking to bounce back from a challenging loss to USC earlier in the week.
The game became a back-and-forth battle, with both teams refusing to back down. Michigan State put up a strong fight and even took a brief lead, finding themselves ahead 69-68 courtesy of Theryn Hallock’s clutch free throws with just over two minutes on the clock. However, UCLA had other plans.
Clutch Plays and Key Moments
Timea Gardner rose to the occasion, hitting a pivotal three-pointer that shifted the momentum to UCLA with just 44.8 seconds left in the game, giving the Bruins a 71-69 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. In the closing moments, Kiki Rice sealed the deal by sinking four straight free throws, bolstered by a technical foul called on Michigan State’s coach, which added to the Spartans’ frustrations.
For Michigan State, Hallock was a standout performer with a game-high 19 points, while teammate Julia Ayrault provided solid support with 18 points. Grace VanSlooten also made her mark with 16 points and 7 rebounds, proving that the Spartans had multiple scoring threats despite the loss.
What’s Next for the Bruins?
The victory was a sweet comeback for UCLA, especially after their recent loss, and it showcased their resilience and adaptability as a team. Coach Robyn Fralick emphasized the importance of defensive rebounding and highlighted the need for the Spartans to finish plays, which ultimately became their Achilles’ heel.
For the Bruins, Coach Cori Close has expressed confidence in her squad’s ability to adjust defensively even when missing key players like Betts. With the team’s overall record improving to 24-1 and an impressive 12-1 in the Big Ten, the Bruin fans can’t help but feel excited for what’s ahead!
As the season rolls on, we’ll be keeping an eye on Betts and hoping for her swift return—UCLA’s playoff hopes and their quest for glory could depend on her presence on the court.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Michigan State Falls to UCLA in Hard-Fought Matchup
Michigan State Triumphs Over Illinois in Thrilling Matchup
Michigan State Freshman Shines in Comeback Victory
Additional Resources
- ESPN: UCLA Bruins Star Lauren Betts vs. Michigan State
- MSU Spartans: No. 22 Michigan State Edged by No. 1 UCLA
- UCLA Bruins: Bruins Best Spartans in Late Game Battle
- Lansing State Journal: How to Watch Michigan State Women’s Basketball vs. UCLA
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins Women’s Basketball
