The UCLA Bruin women continue to prove why they are one of the most dominant teams in college basketball, remaining undefeated after a hard-fought 79-53 victory over the Minnesota Gophers last Sunday on the UCLA campus. A key factor in their success has been the leadership and skill of standout center Lauren Betts, who recorded a career-high 11 assists in the win.
Head Coach Cori Close has been vocal about Betts’ impact, calling her the best player in the country for a long time. “Over the last month, Lauren has been the most dominant player in the country, on both sides of the ball,” Close said. More than just a scorer, Betts has shown an elite understanding of her teammates’ strengths, positioning them for success on every play. “It speaks volumes for her to be a facilitator for her team,” Close added.
Despite their undefeated record, Close remains relentless in pushing the Bruins to greatness. She emphasizes a mentality defined by two key characteristics: consistent selflessness and an unmatched work ethic. “I have to hold the standard of what I know they are capable of, even if the score doesn’t reflect it,” she said.
A major contributor to UCLA’s dominance has been their ability to turn defense into offense. The Bruins racked up 21 points off turnovers against Minnesota, a testament to their aggressive defensive mindset. Junior guard Kiki Rice highlighted their strategy: “We focus on applying pressure and making it hard for teams to execute their offense.”
Rice’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping UCLA’s culture. Close credits Rice’s relentless work ethic for inspiring the entire team. “Kiki’s leadership is influence and players follow. It’s not driven by the coaches but by the players,” Close said. Rice, in turn, credits her teammates for embracing that mindset. “I think it’s so great to see so many of us in the gym. It becomes a habit for everyone on our team. It’s a testament to the group we have. Everyone is willing to do whatever it takes to be their best for this team. It’s been a huge area of growth from freshman year to now,” Rice said.
Freshman guard Elina Aarnisalo has also felt the impact of UCLA’s culture, noting how coaches and staff are actively involved in individual workouts. “It’s really cool to have that support. It’s easier when you see a leader like Kiki Rice leading the charge,” Aarnisalo said. Rice, in turn, has been impressed with Aarnisalo’s maturity and poise, acknowledging how rare it is for a freshman to arrive with such a strong mentality.
While the nation takes notice of UCLA’s undefeated streak, Close remains steadfast in keeping her team mentally focused. She reminds them not to be defined by outside opinions but by the habits they’ve committed to. “We really want to focus on what we can control and put our energy into our circle of influence,” Close emphasized.
With an unwavering mindset and a team-driven culture, the Bruins are proving that their success is no fluke. It’s the result of relentless work, selflessness, and an unbreakable bond. As they continue their journey, their focus remains clear. Staying true to their identity and pushing each other to be great, no matter what the score is.