UCLA’s junior center Lauren Betts earned the AP National Player of the Week honor after delivering an outstanding three-game stretch, averaging 27.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and six blocks. She played a crucial role in top-ranked UCLA’s victories over Baylor, Rutgers, and Maryland, showcasing her dominance on both ends of the court.
Betts set a school record with nine blocks in the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic against Baylor and followed it up with a career-high 33 points against then-No. 8 Maryland, making 14 of 15 field goal attempts. Her 18 total blocks over the three-game East Coast trip marked the most ever by a Bruins player in such a span.
Runner-Up: Mikayla Blakes Shines for Vanderbilt
Freshman guard Mikayla Blakes was a standout performer for Vanderbilt, setting a program record for most points by a freshman in a road game with 33 points in a win over No. 19 Alabama. She has scored 20 or more points in seven consecutive games, averaging 28.5 points on 52.9% shooting last week while hitting 50% from three-point range.
Honorable Mentions and Rising Stars
Gianna Kneepkens (Utah)
Ta’Niya Latson (Florida State)
Sarah Strong (UConn)
Additionally, Murray State forward Katelyn Young continued her impressive career, averaging 29 points and eight rebounds while moving into the top 50 all-time NCAA Division I scoring list with 2,660 points, the highest among active men’s and women’s players.
Analysis: Betts’ Breakout Moment
Lauren Betts’ recent performances solidify her status as one of the top players in college basketball. Her combination of size, efficiency, and defensive impact makes her an invaluable asset for UCLA. With her ability to dominate in the paint and protect the rim, the Bruins have a true force heading into the latter part of the season. If Betts maintains this level of play, she could emerge as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year honors.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes continues to impress as a freshman, proving she can compete at an elite level. With strong performances from Kneepkens, Latson, and Strong, the women’s college basketball landscape is full of emerging stars.
