UCLA Falls to Sacramento State in Series Finale Despite Cholowsky's Heroics The No. 1 UCLA Bruins suffered a 9-6 loss to the Sacramento State Hornets in the series finale on Sunday, marking the Hornets’ first-ever victory against a top-ranked opponent. Despite a valiant effort from star shortstop Roch Cholowsky, who hit two home runs and drove in four runs, UCLA’s pitching struggles and defensive errors proved too costly. The defeat ended UCLA’s hopes of securing a 40th win and a 10th consecutive series sweep, while Sacramento State celebrated a historic milestone. The game began with UCLA taking an early lead, scoring the only run of the series in the first inning. However, Sacramento State quickly turned the tide in the third, erupting for five runs. Third baseman Jakob Poturnak launched a two-run home run, his second of the weekend, to ignite the Hornets’ offensive surge. UCLA’s pitching faltered under the pressure, with Landon Stump on the mound in his 11th start of the season. Stump walked three batters in the third inning, the most he had allowed since his debut against UC San Diego on February 15. UCLA clawed back in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly from freshman Aiden Aguayo, trimming the deficit to 5-2. Cholowsky extended the Bruins’ lead with his 16th home run of the season, a two-run blast to left field in the fifth inning. However, Sacramento State capitalized on UCLA’s defensive lapses in the sixth and seventh innings. An error by third baseman Roman Martin allowed Jace Jeremiah to reach base, and he later scored on a sacrifice fly. A leadoff hit by pitch in the seventh inning set the stage for another run, as Ryan Ellis’s bunt was mishandled by Cholowsky, who failed to throw out the runner at third.#ucla_brains #sacramento_state_hornets #roch_cholowsky #jakob_poturnak #landon_stump
Lauren Betts Boyfriend: Does the UCLA standout have a partner? Lauren Betts, the 6-foot-7 senior center for the UCLA Bruins, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, leading her team to the Final Four with a standout performance in the Sacramento Regional. Her 23-point, 10-rebound game against the regional semifinal opponent showcased her dominance as one of the top collegiate post players in the nation. Despite her growing reputation and the attention she receives as a two-time All-American, Betts has maintained a private personal life, with no public information about a romantic partner. Fans and media have frequently speculated about her relationship status, but searches for "Lauren Betts' boyfriend" yield no confirmed details. Betts herself has not publicly acknowledged any romantic involvement, choosing instead to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. Her focus remains entirely on her basketball career and the Bruins' pursuit of their first national championship in nearly five decades. Sources close to the program emphasize that her dedication to the team’s success is her top priority, with no indication she is seeking a partner at this stage. Betts’ commitment to her sport is underscored by her recent Players’ Tribune piece titled "I want to be here," in which she candidly discussed the mental and emotional challenges of elite athletics. She openly addressed her past struggles with depression, highlighting her journey toward healing and self-improvement. This personal growth has allowed her to become a leader for a veteran roster, guiding her teammates as they approach a potential historic victory. Her emphasis on mental health and self-care has earned admiration from peers and coaches alike, further reinforcing her focus on the court.#mental_health #ucla_brains #lauren_betts #final_four #players_tribune
UCLA's Cronin Speaks on Trent Perry’s Unexpected Rise This Season Trent Perry has emerged as a standout player for the UCLA Bruins this season, defying expectations with his rapid ascent up the team’s depth chart. Entering his second year with the program, Perry has become a crucial contributor, averaging 12.7 points per game while shooting 44% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc. His performance has been a bright spot for a team that has struggled at times this season. Perry’s growth has been particularly notable after a modest freshman season, during which he averaged just 3.7 points per game in limited minutes. This year, however, he has stepped into a more prominent role, frequently finding himself in the starting lineup. His ability to consistently score from three-point range has made him a key offensive weapon for UCLA. Perry is one of four Bruins—alongside Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, and Xavier Booker—who are shooting 41% or better from deep, highlighting his importance to the team’s offensive strategy. Perry’s breakout season gained momentum during Skyy Clark’s extended absence due to injury. When Clark was sidelined, Perry seized the opportunity to play a larger role, earning a full-time starting position. His performance during that stretch was so impactful that he retained his spot in the lineup even after Clark returned. This adaptability has allowed Perry to solidify his place in the rotation and become a reliable scorer for the Bruins. His contributions have been especially critical during high-stakes moments, such as the Big Ten Tournament. In the quarterfinals against Michigan State, Perry delivered a standout performance, scoring 22 points and hitting four three-pointers in a 88-84 victory over the Spartans.#big_ten_tournament #ucla_brains #skyy_clark #mick_cronin #trent_perry
Super sophomore Trent Perry could give UCLA some March magic Trent Perry, a rising star for the UCLA Bruins, has become a focal point of optimism as the team prepares for the NCAA Tournament. The guard’s recent performances have positioned him as a key player in the team’s push for a deep run in the postseason. Perry’s ability to score, create, and lead has elevated UCLA into a contender, despite being a seventh-seeded team. Their first-round matchup against 10th-seeded UCF is set for Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Perry’s journey to this moment has been marked by resilience and adaptability. After stepping in as a midseason replacement for Skyy Clark in the starting lineup, he quickly proved his worth with a 30-point outburst against Penn State. His impact has only grown since Clark’s return, as Perry has continued to thrive in the three-guard starting lineup. His versatility—whether running the point, shooting from beyond the arc, or driving to the basket—has made him an indispensable asset for the Bruins. The 23-11 Bruins have also benefited from Perry’s presence in the starting lineup. His ability to space the floor and create driving lanes has quickened the team’s pace and improved their overall efficiency. This has been crucial as UCLA moved out of the NCAA Tournament bubble with a six-game winning streak in their last eight contests. Perry’s contributions have been instrumental in this turnaround, as evidenced by his 12.7 points per game average and a 41.2% shooting rate from three-point range. Perry’s clutch performances have further solidified his role. In a critical moment during the Big Ten Tournament, he made all six free throws in the final 36 seconds to help UCLA hold off Michigan State. His composure under pressure has drawn praise from coaches and peers alike.#ucla_brains #xfinity_mobile_arena #trent_perry #david_rebibo #mick_cronin
UCLA Bruins vs Washington Huskies Big Ten Tournament - Quarterfinal No. 2 UCLA overcame a slow start to defeat Washington 78-60 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday, March 6, 2026. Big Ten Player of the Year Lauren Betts led the Bruins with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Kiki Rice contributed 18 points and six assists. The victory extended UCLA’s winning streak to 23 games, matching the school’s longest streak in history, and marked their 22nd consecutive Big Ten win. Washington, the regular-season champion, struggled to contain UCLA’s offensive surge. Avery Howell scored 18 points for the Huskies, but the team’s two-game winning streak ended with its second loss to the Bruins this season. The game began with Washington taking an early 13-6 lead after the first quarter, and the Huskies extended their advantage to 22-12 in the second quarter. However, UCLA responded with a 15-point run, fueled by Betts and Rice, to take a 27-24 halftime lead. The Huskies fought back in the third quarter, re-taking a 34-33 lead on Elle Ladine’s three-pointer. UCLA answered with a 7-0 run, including a three from Rice and two free throws from Betts, to build a 40-34 edge. Washington remained competitive but couldn’t close the gap as UCLA closed the quarter on a 7-0 spurt, making it 49-41. The Bruins maintained their lead in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Washington’s postseason fate will be determined in the coming weeks, while UCLA faces No. 11 Ohio State in the semifinals on Saturday. The game, played in front of a sparse midday crowd in Indianapolis, highlighted UCLA’s resilience and dominance in the tournament.#big_ten_tournament #ucla_brains #washington_huskies #lauren_betts #kiki_rice
Washington Huskies vs. UCLA Bruins - Final Score - March 06, 2026 The No. 2 UCLA Bruins secured a decisive victory over the Washington Huskies in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals with a final score of 66-52. The game, played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, highlighted UCLA’s resilience and offensive firepower, led by standout performance from Lauren Betts. Betts finished with 26 points and 8 rebounds, anchoring the Bruins’ efforts in a tightly contested matchup. UCLA’s dominance was evident in key stretches of the game. In the second quarter, the Bruins executed a 15-0 run over 6 minutes and 9 seconds, extending their lead to 27-24. The Huskies, however, mounted a brief comeback, completing a 13-4 scoring surge in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 15-8. Despite Washington’s efforts, UCLA’s balanced scoring and defensive adjustments proved too much. The Huskies’ Sayvia Sellers and Avery Howell contributed 10 points and 18 points respectively, while UCLA’s Kiki Rice added 18 points and 6 assists. Washington’s offense struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in the fourth quarter, as UCLA’s lead grew to 14 points. The Huskies’ B. McGaughy fouled out with 1 minute and 54 seconds remaining, further complicating their chances. UCLA’s victory solidified their position as a top-tier team in the 2025-26 Big Ten Conference, setting the stage for their semifinal showdown. The Bruins’ ability to adapt to Washington’s pressure and capitalize on key moments underscored their championship pedigree, while the Huskies’ efforts highlighted the challenges of advancing in a fiercely competitive tournament.#gainbridge_fieldhouse #ucla_brains #washington_huskies #indianapolis_indiana #big_ten_conference
B1G Women’s Hoops Tournament Sunday Hawkeye Huddle Information Fans attending the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis are invited to join the Hawkeye Huddle before Sunday’s championship game. The event, hosted by the I-Club and the Office of Alumni Engagement, will take place at The Hangar (501 Madison Ave., Indianapolis) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. The free gathering will include a Hawkeye DJ, light snacks, and beverages, offering fans a chance to connect with the team and other supporters. This year, registration is required for all Hawkeye Huddles. Fans planning to attend Saturday’s event can sign up in advance through the provided link. Unregistered attendees will be placed on a waitlist. The tournament’s championship game will feature the No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes against the No. 1 seed UCLA Bruins, scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. For additional details about the Hawkeye Huddles and the I-Club, visitors can visit jointheiclub.com or follow the I-Club on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The event highlights the team’s engagement with fans during the tournament, emphasizing community and support for the Iowa women’s basketball program.#big_ten #iowa_hawkeyes #ucla_brains #the_hangar #jointheiclub_com
