Lauren Betts and Zoe Borter headline today’s matchup between No. 3 UCLA and UC Santa Barbara as both teams look to stay undefeated early in the season. The Bruins and the Gauchos are set to go head-to-head this Thursday at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, with tip-off scheduled for 11:30 a.m. PT.
UCLA enters the contest after a strong 77-53 win over San Diego State in its opener, led by Betts’ 21 points and a balanced team performance. UC Santa Barbara also opened its season with a dominant 80-44 victory over Cal State Monterey Bay, where Borter impressed with her scoring and floor presence.
Both teams arrive with momentum, but UCLA’s top-five national ranking and depth give it an obvious edge heading into its home opener.
UCLA vs UCSB Prediction
UCLA comes into this matchup as the heavy favorite. The Bruins are deeper, more physical, and loaded with experience. Their frontcourt, led by Lauren Betts, poses a major mismatch for most opponents, and UCSB will have its hands full trying to contain her near the rim.
Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice add scoring versatility, while Charlisse Leger-Walker brings composure at guard. UC Santa Barbara will look to counter with perimeter shooting and pace. Zoe Borter and Jessica Grant give the Gauchos reliable scoring threats from outside, and if they can hit early shots, UCSB can keep things competitive.
However, UCLA’s interior defense and rebounding advantage should tilt the game their way. Expect UCLA to control the tempo and dominate the boards. UCSB might find some rhythm offensively, but sustaining it against the Bruins’ size and defensive pressure will be a challenge.
Prediction: UCLA wins comfortably.
Starting Lineup
UCLA has a strong core that should remain consistent from its season opener. A likely starting five includes:
- G: Charlisse Leger-Walker
- G: Kiki Rice
- G/F: Gabriela Jaquez
- F: Timea Gardiner
- C: Lauren Betts
For UC Santa Barbara, the expected starters are:
- G: Jessica Grant
- G: Skylar Burke
- F: Zoe Borter
- F: Olivia Bradley
- G: Zoe Shaw
Both Betts and Borter are healthy and expected to play key roles. Betts’ dominance in the paint and Borter’s perimeter shooting make them the players to watch on each side.
Injury Report
UCLA remains without freshman forward Sienna Betts, who suffered a left-leg injury during a preseason scrimmage and is listed day-to-day. Forward Timea Gardiner has been dealing with a minor knee issue, but is expected to be available.
No other significant absences have been reported for the Bruins. UC Santa Barbara has no major injuries listed heading into the game. The Gauchos will have Zoe Borter and Jessica Grant available, both healthy after impressive season debuts.
With both teams nearly at full strength, this matchup should serve as an early test of UCLA’s title ambitions and UCSB’s potential to challenge top competition. Final Prediction: UCLA wins decisively.
Read More:
“Paige Bueckers or JuJu Watkins”: Fans Disregard Caitlin Clark for Prestigious WNBA Award
’12 of Them!’ — UConn Star Paige Bueckers, Huskies Legend Breanna Stewart Celebrates National Title
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
