LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UCLA Bruins used a dominant performance in the paint and a commanding second-quarter surge to remain undefeated, defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 78-60 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

A crowd of 1,588 watched as the Bruins improved to 4-0 on the young season, while the Tar Heels fell to 2-1.

The game was a tale of two halves, with North Carolina holding a narrow 17-12 lead after the first quarter. The momentum shifted decisively in the second period, as UCLA outscored the Tar Heels 23-17 to take a 35-34 lead into halftime. The Bruins continued their offensive onslaught after the break, matching their second-quarter output with another 23-point period in the third to build a 58-46 advantage. UCLA closed out the victory with 20 points in the final quarter, holding North Carolina to 14.

The Bruins’ interior dominance was the story of the game, as they outscored the Tar Heels 46-22 in the paint. Both teams were even with 11 points off turnovers.

UCLA’s victory was powered by a near triple-double from center Lauren Betts. The 6-foot-7 sophomore from Centennial, Colorado, was a force on both ends of the court, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists while also blocking 2 shots in 31 minutes of action.

She was complemented by a double-double from guard Kiki Rice. The Bethesda, Maryland, native scored 15 points and collected 10 rebounds to go with 3 assists and a block in 26 minutes. Forward Angela Dugalić of Des Plaines, Illinois, provided a significant boost with 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Gabriela Jaquez of Camarillo, California, added 12 points and 8 rebounds.

North Carolina was led by guard Elina Aarnisalo of Helsinki, Finland, who scored 13 points. Forwards Ciera Toomey of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, and Indya Nivar of Apex, North Carolina, each contributed 11 points. Toomey added 6 rebounds and 2 assists, while Nivar tallied 4 assists.

The game began with North Carolina establishing an early pace, but UCLA’s defensive pressure and efficient scoring in the second and third quarters created a deficit the Tar Heels could not overcome. The Bruins, who were installed as a 12.5-point pregame favorite, covered the spread as the total score of 138 fell well under the over/under line of 151.5.

UCLA will look to continue its winning streak on Saturday against South Florida, also in Las Vegas. North Carolina, also staying in Las Vegas, will face Fairfield on Saturday.