Top-seeded UCLA Bruins defeated the 16th-seeded Southern University Jaguars 84-46 in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Pauley Pavilion on March 21, 2025.
The UCLA Bruins established their dominance early, leading 23-11 by the end of the first quarter against Southern University. Despite a resilient effort from the Jaguars in the second quarter, UCLA maintained a 38-26 lead at halftime. The second half saw the Bruins intensify their performance, outscoring Southern 46-20 to secure their victory.
Key Player Performances
• Lauren Betts (UCLA): The 6-foot-7 center led the Bruins with 14 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots. Her defensive prowess significantly limited Southern’s scoring opportunities.
• Londynn Jones (UCLA): Contributed 11 points, showcasing the depth of UCLA’s roster.
• Aniya Gourdine (Southern): Led the Jaguars with 10 points, demonstrating commendable effort against a formidable opponent.
Statistical Highlights
• Field Goal Percentage: UCLA shot an impressive 55.3%, while Southern managed 31.7%.
• Three-Point Shooting: The Bruins excelled with a 45% success rate from beyond the arc, compared to the Jaguars’ 13.3%.
• Rebounding: UCLA dominated the boards with 44 rebounds to Southern’s 23, underscoring their physical advantage.
Coaches’ Insights
UCLA’s head coach, Cori Close, expressed pride in her team’s performance, highlighting their defensive intensity and balanced scoring. Southern’s coach acknowledged the challenges posed by UCLA’s size and skill but praised her team’s determination throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, UCLA advances to the second round, where they will face the eighth-seeded Richmond Spiders, who secured a 74-49 win over Georgia Tech. The upcoming matchup is scheduled for Sunday at Pauley Pavilion, with the winner earning a spot in the Sweet Sixteen.
