'Just don’t let her score': Betts delivers game-saving block for UCLA
UCLA center Lauren Betts' crucial block secured a 51-44 Final Four win over Texas, sending the Bruins to their first NCAA national championship game.
PHOENIX — UCLA center Lauren Betts said she would do anything to play another day. And with her senior season on the line, Betts delivered on that promise with a massive block in the closing seconds of UCLA’s Final Four semifinal matchup to secure a 51-44 win over Texas on Friday. Betts helped the Bruins to their first NCAA national championship bid, where they’ll meet No.
1 South Carolina on Sunday at Mortgage Matchup Arena. “This is something that we've all dreamed of being in the position in. We're all very thankful.
We expected to be here,” said Betts, who finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in the win. “Tonight we'll all celebrate with our families and soak this in. Tomorrow we have to lock in and prep for another 1-0.
” It wasn’t a pretty victory, so much so that UCLA head coach Cori Close felt the need to “apologize to all the fans for the rugby match and the 23 turnovers. ” “I felt guilty walking off the floor because it wasn’t pretty any shape or form,” Close added. "But you know, the reality its really all toughness at this point and finding a way to make a winning play.