No.1 UCLA Dominates Purdue, Extends Streak to 15

UCLA Bruins vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

West Lafayette, IN- The top-ranked UCLA Lady Bruins showed no signs of jet lag as they extended their winning streak to 16 games and secured their fifth conference victory with an 83-49 rout of Purdue in the newly reformed Big Ten. Junior Lauren Betts led the charge with 13 second-half points, finishing with a game-high 17 to power the Bruins to another dominant performance. 

UCLA started strong, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range and over 65% overall in the first quarter. Their scorching performance propelled the Lady Bruins to a commanding 29-13 lead, setting the tone in their first Big Ten conference matchup against Purdue. 

UCLA Bruins vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

The Lady Bruins showcased why they hold the nation’s top ranking, overpowering the Lady Boilermakers with a dominant 40-12 advantage in the paint and stifling defense that held Purdue to just 33% shooting. Balanced scoring propelled the Bruins to a commanding 25-point lead by halftime, leaving no doubt about their superiority. With easy buckets and relentless defensive pressure, the Lady Bruins turned the game into a lopsided affair, cementing their reputation as the team to beat. 

The Lady Bruins’ depth was on full display as four players scored in double figures, allowing Coach Cori Close to rest her starters. Lauren Betts led the charge with 17 points, including a quick 13 in the second half, while Timea Gardiner chipped in an efficient 16 points in just 16 minutes, shooting 4-for-5 from beyond the arc and 6-for-8 overall. Kiki Rice dazzled with a smooth Euro step to split two Purdue defenders, finishing with 11 points, as did Janiah Barker. With contributions across the roster, the Lady Bruins showcased why they’re a force to be reckoned with. 

UCLA Bruins vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Destini Lombard paced the Lady Boilermakers with 16 points, while McKenna Layden and Rashunda Jones chipped in 8 points each. Despite their efforts, the team struggled to find offensive rhythm against the top-ranked Lady Bruins. 

The Lady Bruins return home for a three-game stretch against Northwestern, Penn State, and Baylor, aiming to maintain momentum in a tough Big Ten conference. With four teams ranked in the top 10, the competitive slate promises to test the Bruins as they prepare for the Big Tournament in March. These matchups will provide a crucial opportunity to solidify their standing and sharpen their edge against elite competition. 

UCLA Bruins vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)