Lauren Betts played a big hand in UCLA women’s basketball landing its first national title after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the national championship game on Sunday in Phoenix.
Betts recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds to go along with two assists and two blocks, providing a major boost in UCLA’s 79-51 win. She shot 6-of-10 from the field. Betts had something extra to celebrate, as she was named Most Outstanding Player.
Following her dominant performance in the national championship game, Obama posted a message on social media congratulating UCLA:
“Congratulations to Lauren Betts and the sensational seniors at @UCLAWBB for winning their first NCAA Championship!”
Betts’ father Andy responded in kind:
“We appreciate you Mr President !!!! 🙏🏻”
Betts, who had a game-saving block the other night in the Final Four win against the Texas Longhorns, received strong support from teammate Gabriela Jaquez, who also had a double-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Kiki Rice (10 points), Gianna Knipkens (15) and Charlisse Trinity Leger-Walker (10) had double digit scorers each.
As for Obama, he’s a big basketball fan and has frequently attended March Madness games in the past.
UCLA’s Lauren Betts Was Confident of Herself & Bruins
Lauren Betts had already envisioned the Bruins winning the national championship even before their win against South Carolina. The Bruins forward was confident and focused to trigger that kind of belief.
“I pictured this moment many times, being a national champion, and to do it with this group it just really means everything. I felt yesterday we were going to win” she said, “just because we were so focused and when you have a certain energy in practice. You wake up the next morning and felt like you got done everything you could possibly do to be ready for a game. It’s the confidence you have, and our energy was just really good.”
Betts also knew that UCLA was an underdog as they were tasked to face Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks. The South Carolina program is considered the national powerhouse, so defeating them was a big deal.
“I’m pretty sure people had us losing,” Betts said of the pregame point spread favoring South Carolina by four or five points. “But you know what? I don’t even care. We just won the championship, so I don’t really have much to say about that.”
It remains to be seen what the next chapter awaits for Betts.
Read More News:
Gabriela Jaquez Becomes Winningest UCLA Star Overtaking Kiki Rice, Lauren Betts And More
Who Are Gabriela Jaquez’s Parents? Know More About UCLA Star’s Brother Jaime Jaquez Jr. And Family
Caitlin Clark Drops 3-Word Reaction for Gabriela Jaquez’s Insane NCAA Final Performance
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