WOMENS BASKETBALL
UCLA 91, Wisconsin 61
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MADISON, Wis. - Lauren Betts had 26 points and 10 rebounds and second-ranked UCLA routed Wisconsin 91-61 on Wednesday night to set up a showdown with No. 4 Southern California for the Big Ten title.
UCLA (28-1, 16-1 Big Ten) moved into a first-place tie with USC heading into the regular-season finale Saturday at home against the Trojans, who handed the Bruins their only defeat, 71-60 earlier this month.
Betts hit 11 of 12 shots from the field and all four of her free throws for her 15th double-double of the season. Timea Gardner added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Serah Williams had 22 points and Ronnie Porter 13 for Wisconsin (13-15, 4-13).
The Bruins hit 10 of 18 shots en route to a 22-12 lead after one quarter.
Porter hit two free throws to pull the Badgers within 27-19, but UCLA responded with an 8-0 run.
Wisconsin missed its first seven shots of the third quarter as UCLA extended its lead to 55-30 midway through the period. The Bruins led 70-40 entering the final period.
THE TAKEAWAY
UCLA: After edging Iowa 67-65 on Sunday to open the two-game road swing, the Bruins avoided looking past Wisconsin and ahead to the rematch with USC.
Wisconsin: The Badgers are looking to hang on to a spot in the 15-team Big Ten tournament. At 4-13, Wisconsin is in 14th place, 1 1/2 games ahead of Purdue, which has two games remaining.
KEY MOMENT
The Bruins hit six of seven shots for a 12-2 run midway through the first quarter for a 20-9 lead.
KEY STAT
Led by Betts and Gardiner, the Bruins dominated inside, outscoring Wisconsin 52-32 in the paint.
February 26, 2025