UCLA's defense reigns supreme to defeat Minnesota and advance to Elite Eight
Kiki Rice led the Bruins with 21 points while Lauren Betts followed with 16 points, five rebounds and five blocks.
UCLA Bruins celebrate after defeating Minnesota Golden Gophers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. SACRAMENTO, Calif. - No.
1-seeded UCLA advanced to the Elite Eight after taking down the Minnesota Golden Gophers 80-56 in Sacramento on Friday, but on a night that their offense failed them often, it was the defense that reigned supreme, particularly from some unexpected sources. The physical intensity was apparent from the jump. The Bruins came out hard and grabbed two steals in the first two minutes of the game.
Their tenacity was spearheaded by senior center Lauren Betts, who carried a different kind of energy with her to Golden 1 Center. Betts Showing Edge Betts has never been shy to show emotion or celebrate on the court. But this time there was an edge to her.
She came in with something to prove and after Friday, it's clear she's not letting anyone get in her way. UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against Minnesota Golden Gophers center Sophie Hart (52) during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against Minnesota Golden Gophers center Sophie Hart (52) during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center.
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