Lauren Betts and her sister Sienna both recorded double-doubles in UCLA’s first-round win over California Baptist in the NCAA tournament.
Lauren had 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Sienna contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds to the 96-43 victory.
The win secured UCLA a second-round match with Oklahoma State.
Sienna’s Self-Criticism Despite Success
Despite her double-double, Sienna was critical of her own performance after the game.
She said she was trying to focus on learning from mistakes made in the first half.
UCLA coach Cori Close noted Sienna is hard on herself, and her humour is a saving grace.
Lauren, however, thought Sienna played one of her better games of the season, particularly highlighting her defence.
A Rare Feat for the Betts Sisters
Double-doubles by sisters in the NCAA tournament are rare.
Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike achieved this multiple times for Stanford in the early 2010s.
USC twins Pamela and Paula McGee averaged double-doubles in their senior years in the 1980s.
This season is the only time such a feat could occur for the UCLA sisters, as Lauren is a senior.
They played just one season together in high school in Colorado.
Balancing Sisterhood and Individual Journeys
Close wants the sisters to enjoy their connection and this year together.
“It’s this weird thing, on the one hand, I want them to enjoy this connection they have,” Close said. “I want them to enjoy this year. They will look back on this year and just really treasure it.
At the same time, Close aims to treat Sienna as an individual, ensuring she doesn’t feel overshadowed by Lauren’s accomplishments.
Close said, “Simultaneously, I want to especially treat Sienna on her own journey, and to not make her feel like she’s in the shadows of anything that Lauren is doing.”
UCLA’s women’s basketball team previously defeated Iowa in the Big Ten tournament title game.