Lauren Betts Shines in UCLA vs. South Carolina NCAA Championship Battle

Lauren Betts shone for UCLA during the NCAA Championship battle with South Carolina in Phoenix. She experienced a brief throat issue early in the game.

Throat incident and in-game timeline

Betts began the game and took the opening tip. She was removed at the 5:09 mark of the first quarter.

She returned roughly two minutes later but left again at 2:14. On the bench she coughed and held a towel to her face.

Bench reaction and media observations

She also used an inhaler during the stoppage. ESPN broadcaster Ryan Ruocco said he read her lips.

He suggested she indicated something was stuck in her throat. Betts checked back in at 8:41 of the second quarter.

After the first quarter UCLA led 21-10. Betts had played six minutes and had four points and three rebounds.

Jersey change during the game

Betts normally wears jersey No. 51. She switched into No. 26 in the third quarter after blood soaked her uniform.

UCLA staff found a spare No. 51 later in the quarter. She changed back with less than a minute remaining in the period.

Season honors and key statistics

Betts won the Lisa Leslie Award on April 4. The award honors the nation’s top center.

She leads UCLA in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Filmogaz.com compiled this report from in-game coverage and media accounts.