LOS ANGELES, CA — LOS ANGELES — UCLA Bruins opened Big Ten play in dominant fashion Sunday, rolling past Oregon Ducks 80–59 at Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins (9-1, 1-0 Big Ten) jumped out early, building a 19–8 first-quarter lead and never looking back.
By halftime they led 49–26, thanks in part to a 10-0 second-quarter run that widened the gap.
Center Lauren Betts powered the Bruins — she posted a season-high 24 points, pulled down 14 rebounds and swatted five blocks.
Graduate guard Gianna Kneepkens added 17 points and helped extend the Bruins’ advantage throughout.
On the glass, UCLA crushed Oregon 52–29 in total rebounds and controlled the paint with a 40–28 edge.
The Bruins also moved the ball well, compiling 22 assists.
For Oregon (10-1, 0-1 Big Ten), forward Ehis Etute led the team with 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while guard Katie Fiso added 14 points.
But the Ducks struggled mightily from the floor — shooting just 3-for-18 in the first quarter and failing to recover enough to stay within striking distance.
“From the opening tip we set the tone,” Betts said after the game. “We knew we had to own the boards and play tough defense — that got us rolling.”
Bruins coach Cori Close lauded the collective effort: “We shared the ball, moved it, and got great energy on the glass. That’s the recipe for success.”
The loss ends Oregon’s unbeaten start and hands UCLA its sixth straight victory over the Ducks, continuing a trend of strong Bruins performances in this matchup.
