UCLA Bruins forward Lauren Betts let out a loud roar after her game-winning block against Texas’ Madison Booker in the final moments of the Final Four game.
With less than 25 seconds remaining and UCLA leading 47-44, Booker was bypassing defenders for a layup in the paint. However, as she went up, Betts blocked the shot, and UCLA secured the ball with only 18.1 seconds remaining. Ultimately, UCLA sealed a 51-44 win, advancing to the national championship game for the first time in the school’s history.
Betts’ game-winning block denied a potential comeback from the Longhorns. With the win, UCLA has advanced to the national championship game where they will face South Carolina.
Madison Booker’s Rare Shooting Nightmare Takes Texas Down vs UCLA
Madison Booker is generally an efficient shooter and she is a big part of why Texas is in the Final Four. She averaged 19.3 points on 52.3 percent shooting from the field. However, on Saturday, something rare happened.
Booker had a nightmarish game for the Longhorns. She missed 15 consecutive shots and ultimately finished with just six points on 3-of-23 shooting, including 0-for-4 from the 3-point line. Before that missed layup, Booker did make two field goals to make the game close, though.
Overall, Texas struggled offensively all game, including just 6 points in the first quarter. Jordan Lee and Rori Harmon also combined for just 15 points on 7-20 shooting.
Meanwhile, UCLA’s win was built on elite defense, with Lauren Betts leading from the front with three blocks and 11 rebounds to go along with 16 points. Apart from Betts, Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens had 10 points each, while Kiki Rice had 11 points.
This marks the second straight season when Booker ended the season on a disappointing note. Last year, she finished with just 11 points and one rebound in the 74-57 Final Four loss against South Carolina. The Gamecocks reached there in the other Final Four game earlier, where they defeated the UConn Huskies 62-48.
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