On Wednesday against Michigan, UCLA women’s basketball superstar Lauren Betts reminded everyone why she is one of the best players in the sport. Her stat line in the 86-70 win over the Wolverines included 13 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocked shots, and 2 steals. Yet, the item which stands out as particularly impressive: five assists.
Watching the Michigan game — and watching UCLA’s offense in general — is instructive because Betts naturally commands so much attention as a skilled low-post player with the size needed to play over the top of a smaller defender. Michigan, like other teams, naturally tries to double-team Betts whenever possible and get the ball out of her hands. The five assists were important in the Michigan game because it is so hugely important for Betts to be able to pass out of double-teams and find cutters. Being able to do this consistently unlocks the rest of the UCLA offense because it tells opponents they will pay for double-teaming Betts.
Coach Cori Close did a good job of structuring the offense in the Michigan game to create cutting lanes when other Bruins, chiefly Betts, were doubled. With Betts dropping five dimes and Kiki Rice handing out 10 assists, it is clear that the UCLA offense was intent on finding the open player with the pass, cutting to the basket, and creating purposeful off-ball movement.
When UCLA scores 86 points, the Bruins are extremely unlikely to lose. Lauren Betts’ passing is a huge part of that.