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NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round-Oklahoma State vs UCLA UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts 51 reacts during a second round game of the women s 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls at Pauley Pavilion, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Los Angeles. UCLA defeated Oklahoma State 87-68. Jon Endow/Image of Los Angeles California United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xImagexofxSportx JonxEndowx iosphotos402335
From college basketball to the W league, Lauren Betts’ scoring surge has hit the hardwood already. And during the latest preseason stint, even Angel Reese couldn’t stand against it entirely.
After the preseason opener heartbreak, the Washington Mystics finally secured an 83-72 victory over the Atlanta Dream on May 4. And in this game, Betts did what a rookie mostly cannot do against a DPOY-calibre player like Reese.
“Lauren Betts’s performance against the Atlanta Dream and two-time All-Star Angel Reese was impressive,” Sports Illustrated’s Elaine Blum wrote. “Reese is a great defender and physical player around the rim. (She) got the better of Betts a few times, but the rookie largely held her own…”
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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: Angel Reese 5 of the Atlanta Dream looks on during the first half against the Chicago Sky on April 29, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 29 Preseason Atlanta Dreamagainst the Chicago Sky EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260429012
In front of Reese’s 10 points under 11 minutes kind of explosive play, Betts’ 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists fall short. However, 7 of her buckets were shot right under Reese’s clutch, and it didn’t end there.
The former UCLA star also scored three free throws off fouls that Reese committed. In fact, she started making successful moves against the Dream star from the first quarter alone, with 6 minutes remaining.
This was a statement play on Betts’ end before heading to the regular season. But while the on-court rivalry skyrocketed, things have been pretty different outside of the paint.
Angel Reese Rejoiced at Lauren Betts’ Reebok Moment
It hasn’t been long since Betts wrapped up her collegiate career with a title win. But the Mystics’ 4th overall pick already signed a shoe deal with Reebok. And as the leading Reebok athlete, Reese couldn’t be any happier.
"AHHHH! What’s up, CHAMP!" the Atlanta Dream forward wrote excitedly, around mid-April, once the brand announced the news on X. Extending the hype to Instagram, Reese further commented, “another BADDIEEEEE.”
Moving forward, do you think it’ll be intriguing to see Reese and Betts go off at each other on the court while being brand partners outside the paint? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy
Edited by
Souvik Roy