Kiki Rice And Lauren Betts Detail Mindset Behind UCLA’s National Championship Win

For Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice , UCLA’s national championship mindset was decided early. Coming off a 37-1 season that ended with a 79-51 win over South Carolina, the Bruins entered the title game with a clear sense of confidence. Asked at a Raising Cane’s press conference when they felt the game was in hand, Betts pointed to the moment they arrived.

“When we walked in the gym,” she said. Rice pointed to the same moment, describing the team’s mindset before the game began. “Honestly, when we walked in the gym, we were confident,” Rice said.

“You could just feel the vibe, feel the energy that we had when we started warmups. You look around the team and in the locker room you’re like, okay, no one on this team is going to be okay with losing today. ” The Bruins carried that approach throughout the game, controlling the matchup from the opening stages.

UCLA players point to Texas loss as turning point Despite finishing the season with one loss, Betts said that moment played a key role in shaping the team’s approach. Photo: Raising Cane’s “I think our loss,” Betts said. She pointed specifically to UCLA’s loss to Texas as a turning point.