This post was updated March 23 at 10:17 p.m.

Despite earning its first No. 1 seed in program history, UCLA trailed the No. 8 seed at the end of the first quarter – and found itself at a stalemate at the half.

But as may be expected of the AP Poll’s top-ranked team, the Bruins found their way to yet another blowout win.

In its final home game of the season, No. 1 seed UCLA women’s basketball (32-2, 16-2 Big Ten) defeated No. 8 seed Richmond (28-7, 17-1 Atlantic 10) 84-67. With the victory, the Bruins punched their ticket to their third consecutive Sweet Sixteen – where they will face No. 5 seed Ole Miss – in Spokane, Washington.

“Grit, especially in March Madness, is super important,” said junior center Lauren Betts. “Coach Cori (Close) has held us accountable, and she’s not changing the standard.”

Betts and guard Gabriela Jaquez kicked off scoring for the Bruins with a layup and a 3-pointer from the right corner, respectively, to give their squad an early lead.

Betts logged six first-quarter points while Jaquez registered five. Collectively, the players shot a perfect 4-for-4 from the field over the first 10 minutes of action.

Richmond forward Maggie Doogan weathered UCLA’s scoring storm, drilling the first shot from beyond the arc for her squad – which boasts the fifth best 3-point shooting percentage in the nation with 38.3%. By the completion of the first quarter, Doogan contributed nine points to a 20-18 Spiders lead.

“She (Doogan) is a really good player,” said Close. “She definitely caused us to make some adjustments.”

The game assumed the form of a heavyweight boxing match with each team exchanging blows in the second quarter.

A series of Richmond turnovers led to buckets by Betts and junior forward Timea Gardiner, opening up an eight-point lead for the Bruins with less than four minutes remaining in the first half.

“Lauren just makes the game easy for everyone,” said junior guard Kiki Rice. “Her ability to shoulder so much weight … on a consistent basis and show up for us every single day is something we really admire.”

While Richmond is known for its 3-point shooting prowess, it closed the second quarter with consecutive baskets in the paint, knotting the game at 36 heading into the game’s midway point. 

And despite having to navigate the 6-foot-7 Big Ten Defensive Player of the year in Betts, the Spiders outscored the Bruins in the paint 20-16 during the first half.

With its tournament life hanging in the balance, UCLA re-entered the octagon for the game’s second half and delivered a timely knockout punch.

With the help of a 3-point barrage, the Bruins outscored the Spiders 29-7 in the third quarter and took a 22-point lead which they would not relinquish. 

“We really turned it around,” Betts said. “We changed our mentality defensively. … We had each other’s back, and we played as a unit … and I think if we continue to do that we’re going to be in a really good position.”

Betts ultimately led the match with 30 points on 14-for-17 shooting and 14 rebounds – tying her season high – while Rice tallied a season-high 23 points, alongside seven assists. The duo contributed more than half of the Bruins’ points on the night.

“I’ve watched them (Ole Miss) a lot,” Close said, looking ahead to the team’s next opponent. “They are one of the best defensive teams in the country. They’re extremely physical. … We’re going to have to get our act together for the Sweet Sixteen game, but we’ve been preparing all the way.”