UCLA Women's Basketball: Cori Close Reflects On Impact Of Lauren Betts' Return Vs Arizona
Lauren Betts made her return to the Bruins lineup against Arizona on Friday after missing four games due to undisclosed reasons. She didn't start, but she entered the game in the first quarter to thunderous applause inside Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins, who are down to eight players, are missing Lina Sontag and Angela Dugalic while they are representing Germany and Serbia in an Olympic qualifying tournament.
Betts finished with six points, five rebounds and four blocked shots in 27 minutes.
It’s huge,” coach Cori Close said of Betts’ return. “Obviously even more huge because we’re missing Lina and Angela who are with their national teams, and good luck to Germany and Serbia.
She didn't have a huge stat line, but her presence was felt and opened up more opportunities for her teammates.
“I think more than that is her spirit. Everyone was talking about that in practice yesterday. It’s not that she’s just a really good player, it’s her energy and spirit for the sake of the team and that was really missed. We’re thrilled to have her back.”
Betts and the Bruins return to action Sunday at noon PST against the Arizona State Sun Devils.