CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — The UCLA women’s basketball team used a dominant first half and a commanding presence in the paint to secure an 80-67 victory over Illinois on Wednesday night at State Farm Center.

The Bruins built a 45-31 halftime lead and never trailed, outscoring the Fighting Illini 48-24 in the paint. Lauren Betts led UCLA with 23 points. Illinois’ Cearah Parchment scored a game-high 26 points in the loss.

UCLA improved to 19-1 overall. Illinois fell to 15-6. An announced crowd of 4,756 attended the Big Ten Conference game.