A moment of concern interrupted UCLA's championship run. Star center Lauren Betts was seen struggling on the sideline, coughing and favoring her throat. The incident left fans wondering if she could continue in the biggest game of the year.

The Sporting News shared an image on X showing Lauren Betts being checked on the sideline while in the first quarter, putting a towel on her face while she sat down on the bench.

Even when Betts stood up and walked around during a break, she kept coughing and touching her throat. Later, she told ESPN’s Holly Rowe, "I don’t know what’s going on, I think it’s really dry out here in Phoenix, so I just had something stuck in there. But I’m good, I’m all good."

UCLA still led 21-10 after the first quarter, even with Lauren Betts off the floor. She returned in the second quarter and helped extend the lead. Betts confirmed the issue was not related to asthma.

She was given an inhaler on the bench, but it’s unclear if it was related to asthma. Despite this, UCLA star Lauren Betts was named Most Outstanding Player after the 79-51 win over South Carolina.

Fan concern quickly turned to admiration for Betts' resilience.

Fans React as Lauren Betts Powers Through Scare in UCLA Title Win

"Is she okay?" one fan wrote, expressing concern for the UCLA Bruins center. Betts went to the bench with 2:14 left in the first quarter. Concern eased when Betts returned with 8:41 left in the second quarter. That's why another fan added, "The medics must have done a great job to get her back that quickly!"

Even after returning, there was one big change for Betts, as one fan pointed out. "Lauren Betts usually wears No. 51 for UCLA. But after getting blood on her jersey, she's wearing a nameless No. 26." However, later in the third quarter, the team found a spare No. 51 jersey.

Still, as the 22-year-old kept going despite the discomfort, one fan praised her effort, writing, "Betts showing why she’s a star 🌟True warrior energy 💪💛,"

Regardless, Betts delivered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, along with two assists and two blocks, even earning praise from former President Barack Obama.

“Congratulations to Lauren Betts and the sensational seniors at @UCLAWBB for winning their first NCAA Championship!” the former president wrote on X.

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar