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UCLA Routs UC Irvine 78-42

Sienna Betts scored 17 points as UCLA never trailed in a 78-42 win over UC Irvine.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive sports illustration of two basketball players mid-play on a hardwood court, one in royal blue and gold driving toward the basket against a defender in navy and gold.
UCLA women's basketball beat UC Irvine 78-42 on Thursday night, never trailing as Sienna Betts scored 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

UCLA defeated UC Irvine 78-42 on Thursday night, never trailing in the game. Sienna Betts led the Bruins with 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting.

Why it matters

The margin reflects UCLA's control of the game from the opening minutes through a fourth quarter in which the Anteaters struggled badly on offense. For Los Angeles basketball fans, the result sets a strong early tone for the Bruins' season.

UC Irvine shot 24% (14 of 59) overall and 3 for 22 from three-point range, while UC Irvine went 0 for 11 from the field in the fourth quarter. UCLA recorded 25 assists on 31 baskets.

The players

UCLA Bruins

The women's basketball program of the University of California, Los Angeles, a longtime power in the Pac-12 and NCAA tournament field.

Sienna Betts

A UCLA forward who led the Bruins in scoring with 17 points in this game.

The details

Betts hit a short basket 12 seconds into the game and UCLA built a 23-8 lead after one quarter. Elina Aarnisalo added 14 points and Timea Gardiner scored 12 for UCLA, with KK Bransford adding 10, as UC Irvine committed seven fourth-quarter turnovers.

Timeline

  1. Thursday night: UCLA defeats UC Irvine 78-42.

  2. Nov. 12: UCLA plays Arizona at Pauley Pavilion.

Season Trajectory

The win gives UCLA an early statement result as it prepares for a home game against Arizona at Pauley Pavilion on Nov. 12. A fourth-quarter scoring run of 14-0 against a team shooting poorly points to a balanced, deep rotation.

UCLA's next test comes Nov. 12 against Arizona, a game that will help determine how the Bruins' early rotation holds up against stronger competition. Fantasy and bracket watchers can track Betts's scoring and the team's assist totals as the season develops.

The takeaway

UCLA's ability to finish games with a strong fourth quarter, even against a team shooting poorly, is a sign of depth heading into conference play. Fans should watch whether the rotation maintains that efficiency against better opponents.

What happens next

UCLA hosts Arizona at Pauley Pavilion on Nov. 12.

Further reading

For more on the Bruins' season, see Los Angeles Basketball coverage.