What Cori Close and Lauren Betts Really Think After UCLA’s Victory Over Michigan?

In her post-game address, UCLA coach Cori Close wasted no time in acknowledging the resilience and toughness displayed by Michigan throughout the game.¹

She commended Michigan’s coach, Kim Barnes Arico, and her players for their competitive spirit. Close mentioned that she had known Arico since her days coaching at St. John’s, and she spoke highly of the Wolverines’ ability to play with grit and determination.

“Michigan plays with great toughness, and I thought they out-toughed us tonight,” Close said, pointing out that despite having a more talented roster, the Bruins had been outdone in the areas of toughness and togetherness.

Lauren Betts Dominates with Double-Double

Lauren Betts was one of the standout performers of the game, delivering a dominant performance that helped UCLA secure the win.

Betts finished the game with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists—numbers that showcased her all-around game.

In the first half, although she didn’t score on every touch, Betts’ ability to handle double teams and create plays for her teammates was a crucial element in UCLA’s success.

Coach Close was quick to credit Betts for her presence on the court, particularly for her ability to make the right decisions when facing Michigan’s defensive pressure.

Kiki Rice’s Double-Double Performance

Joining Betts in the double-double club was Kiki Rice, who played an instrumental role in the win. Rice contributed 16 points, 10 assists, and 4 rebounds, adding another layer of offensive firepower and playmaking to UCLA’s game.

Rice’s ability to score and facilitate on the court was evident throughout the contest, and her strong performance reflected the depth of talent on the UCLA roster.

Rice’s 10 assists were particularly noteworthy, as they highlighted her court vision and unselfishness. She wasn’t just looking to score but also to create opportunities for her teammates, helping to orchestrate the offense and keep Michigan’s defense on its toes.

Her ability to distribute the ball effectively was a major reason why UCLA was able to break down Michigan’s defensive schemes.

Londynn Jones’ Crucial Contributions

While Betts and Rice garnered much of the attention for their double-doubles, UCLA junior Londynn Jones also made a significant impact in the game. Jones added 13 points to the scoreboard, and her ability to stretch Michigan’s defense was crucial in the Bruins’ victory.

Coach Close praised Jones for her performance, particularly for her ability to hit key shots and respond to the pressure.

“I thought Londynn was excellent in terms of her ability to stretch the zone, and we finally got her some good teamwork shots with that,” Close said. Jones’ ability to hit important shots in critical moments helped UCLA keep Michigan at bay and maintain control of the game.

Her scoring provided the necessary balance to the offense, allowing the Bruins to stay competitive and come out on top.

Cori Close: Michigan’s Fight and Grit

Although the game ended in a loss for Michigan, the Wolverines demonstrated tremendous resilience and grit throughout the contest.²

Coach Kim Barnes Arico’s emphasis on toughness and togetherness was evident in the way her team competed. The Wolverines played with passion and determination, particularly in their defensive efforts, but ultimately fell short in the face of UCLA’s offensive firepower.

The game against UCLA was a clear test of Michigan’s ability to compete with one of the best teams in the country.

Despite the loss, Michigan showed that they could go toe-to-toe with a top-tier opponent. Barnes Arico’s squad continues to build a reputation for being a tough, competitive team that can go the distance, and this game, though a loss, was another step forward in their development.

Minority- Owned Business of the Game✨

🍪Fleurs et Sel | https://t.co/ph35rspUiA pic.twitter.com/DN8OHq4HdJ

— Cori Close (@CoachCoriClose) January 2, 2025

UCLA’s Need for Improvement in Teamwork

While UCLA came away with the win, Coach Close emphasized that the Bruins would need to improve in areas of teamwork moving forward.

The victory over Michigan was a hard-fought one, and Close acknowledged that her team did not perform as well in certain aspects of the game as they would have liked.

Specifically, Close pointed out that UCLA didn’t win enough of the “teamwork plays,” which are often the difference between success and failure in close games.

Close’s comments reflected the reality that even the best teams can always improve. The Bruins will need to focus on refining their teamwork and ensuring that they play with a collective spirit if they are to remain the top team in the nation.

The game against Michigan served as a reminder that individual talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee success, and UCLA will need to continue to work on building a cohesive, unified team.

Cori Close: Lauren Betts’ Honest Assessment

In a candid post-game interview, Betts shared her thoughts on UCLA’s performance, underscoring the team’s strengths and areas for improvement.³

Despite the Bruins’ success this season, Betts acknowledged the need for the team to dig deeper into their character, as emphasized by head coach Cori Close.

“I think we just got to be tougher,” Betts said after the game. “We just have to regroup tomorrow and go over the film to figure out what went wrong.”

While she admitted that UCLA is an immensely talented team, Betts highlighted that the next step for the Bruins is not simply about executing plays better; it’s about sharpening their mental toughness and playing with a greater sense of unity.

Lauren Betts Reflects on UCLA’s Performance and the Road Ahead

Lauren Betts, the UCLA Bruins’ standout center, is quickly becoming a name to watch in women’s college basketball.

As the top scorer and leading rebounder for her team this season, Betts is expected to play a key role in the Bruins’ pursuit of a deeper run this year, following their impressive Sweet 16 finish last season.

Her post-game comments after a recent victory have highlighted the Bruins’ need for mental toughness and cohesion as they aim for continued success.

Cori Close’s Leadership and the Call for Toughness

Coach Cori Close, who has been at the helm of UCLA’s women’s basketball program for over a decade, has seen her fair share of talented teams.

However, as she continues to build this Bruins squad, she’s clear in her message to the players: talent isn’t everything.

Close has consistently emphasized that UCLA’s ceiling is determined by their collective character, and it’s clear from her remarks that she sees the need for improvement in this area.

Betts, echoing Close’s sentiments, pointed out that once the team comes together in a more cohesive manner, they’ll return to the level of play that made them one of the top teams in the nation last year.

Close’s leadership is pivotal in helping the Bruins reach that next level. She has instilled in her players the idea that mental strength, togetherness, and a commitment to the team’s collective goals are just as important as individual skills.

Lauren Betts’ Dominant Presence on the Court

While the Bruins’ mental toughness is a focus moving forward, Betts’ individual performance this season cannot be overlooked. As UCLA’s top scorer and rebounder, she has been instrumental in the team’s success.

In the opening games of the season, Betts has delivered dominant performances, including a double-double on New Year’s Day—her eighth of the season.

The 6-foot-7 center from Centennial, Colorado, has been a force in the paint, averaging 19.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Her shooting efficiency has been particularly impressive, as she is connecting on 60.4% of her shots from the field.

Betts has emerged as one of the most formidable players in the country, and her performance has been crucial in keeping the Bruins undefeated with a perfect 14-0 record heading into conference play.

Her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor makes her one of the most dangerous players in the nation, but it’s her leadership on and off the court that has made her a key figure in the team’s pursuit of a national championship.

As a player who understands the importance of mental fortitude, Betts’ reflections on the team’s challenges are invaluable as the Bruins strive for more.

Cori Close: Mental Toughness

The Key to UCLA’s Championship Aspirations

For Betts and her teammates, the next step in their journey is ensuring they are mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

While the team has demonstrated considerable talent and skill, the difference between being a good team and a great team often comes down to mental toughness.

The Bruins’ perfect start to the season shows that they have the potential to go far. Their undefeated record is a testament to their ability to perform under pressure. However, Betts’ comments suggest that they are aware of the need for growth in areas beyond physical play.

Whether it’s in crucial moments of the game, or simply in maintaining focus and unity throughout the season, mental strength will play a pivotal role in their quest for the ultimate prize.

In particular, Betts’ emphasis on the importance of playing together is a nod to the team-first mentality that has been a hallmark of successful programs.

As the Bruins continue to mesh both their individual and collective strengths, mental toughness will be an integral factor in determining how far they can go. For Betts and her teammates, the challenge is clear: continue to develop both as individuals and as a cohesive unit.

 

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The Road Ahead: A Big Test at Indiana

• Looking ahead, UCLA will face one of its biggest tests of the season when they take on Indiana on Saturday.
• The Hoosiers have consistently been one of the top teams in the nation, and this matchup will provide an excellent opportunity for the Bruins to prove their resilience and mental toughness.
• For Betts, this game will be a critical moment for the team to show that they have learned from their recent performances and can rise to the occasion.
• With the Big Ten Conference on the horizon, the Bruins must maintain their intensity and commitment to both their physical and mental development.
• While Betts is expected to lead the charge, the team’s success will ultimately depend on their collective ability to rise to the occasion.
• As Coach Cori Close often reminds her players, the true measure of greatness is not found in individual stats, but in the way the team plays together.
• The next challenge is clear: can the Bruins overcome their mental hurdles and play to the best of their abilities, not just in flashes, but consistently over the course of the season?