UCLA Women’s Basketball: Bruins Starter Making Surprise Return Vs Arizona?

UCLA's star center has missed the last four games.

If the news about Chip Kelly was disappointing, some good news about Lauren Betts should turn that frown upside-down.

The UCLA Bruins’ starting center is on the court, dressed and partaking in warmups after missing the last four games.

🚨 BREAKING: Can confirm star #UCLA WBB center Lauren Betts is dressed and warming up ahead of tonight's game vs Arizona. The 6-foot-7 sophomore has missed the Bruins' last 4 games for undisclosed reasons, but she appears to be back.

— Gavin Carlson (@GavinCarlson_) February 10, 2024

Head coach Cori Close met with the media on Wednesday and wasn't sure when Betts would return, but guaranteed that she would at least be back this season.

UCLA is without starters Lina Sontag and Angela Dugalic who are in Europe trying to qualify for the Olympics with their respective countries. Izzy Anstey announced her retirement and Emily Bessoir is out for the season with an ACL injury.

The Bruins need Betts.

They are 2-2 without her and have struggled inside the paint. The 6-foot-7 sophomore is averaging 15.4 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game.

UCLA tips off against the Arizona Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion at 8 p.m.