UCLA Women’s Basketball Dominates Baylor in Coretta Scott King Classic

NEWARK, N.J. — The No. 1 UCLA women’s basketball team extended their undefeated streak to 18 games with a commanding 72-57 victory over No. 25 Baylor in the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic on Monday. The event, held at the Prudential Center, honored the legacy of Coretta Scott King and celebrated female empowerment in sports.

UCLA’s Lauren Betts led the charge with 24 points, nine rebounds, and a school-record nine blocks, breaking the previous record of seven held by Corinne Costa. The Bruins (18-0) established an early lead, scoring 17 of the game’s first 19 points, and maintained control throughout, despite Baylor’s attempts to close the gap.

“We came out with great energy and focus,” said UCLA head coach Cori Close. “This win is a testament to our team’s resilience and commitment to honoring Coretta Scott King’s legacy.”

Baylor (16-4), which entered the Top 25 rankings this week for the first time since early in the season, struggled to keep pace. The Bears, led by Sarah Andrews’ 10 points, saw their five-game winning streak snapped. They will face No. 9 Texas Christian on Sunday in a bid to retain their ranking.

The Coretta Scott King Classic, a doubleheader that also featured No. 7 Texas and eighth-ranked Maryland, marked the first time the names of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King were licensed for a sporting event. The initiative aims to highlight the intersection of sports and social justice.

UCLA will remain on the East Coast for the week, facing Rutgers on Thursday and Maryland on Sunday. The Bruins are one of two unbeaten teams in Division I women’s basketball, alongside No. 5 Louisiana State.

“This is a special moment for our program,” said Betts. “We’re proud to represent UCLA and contribute to such an important event.”