AP women's basketball player of the week is No. 4 UCLA's Lauren Betts
UCLA guard Lena Bilic (9) is greeted by center Lauren Betts, left, after scoring during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Caroline Brehman
The Associated Press national player of the week in women’s basketball for Week 5 of the season:
Lauren Betts, UCLA
The senior post opened Big Ten play with a double-double, setting season highs in points (24), rebounds (14) and blocks (5) in a win over previously unbeaten Oregon. She had 13 points and 11 rebounds by the half as the Bruins rolled.
Runner-up
Brynn McCurry, Villanova. The junior forward helped the Wildcats go 3-0 last week. She averaged 20.7 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game. She shot 62% from the field and helped Villanova upset then-No. 25 West Virginia. McCurry had 21 points and a career-best nine rebounds in that win.
Honorable mention
Aaliyah Chavez, No. 9 Oklahoma; Hannah Hidalgo, No. 19 Notre Dame; Olivia Miles, No. 8 TCU.
Keep an eye on
North Texas forward Megan Nestor became the third player in the past 44 years to record a 30-30 game when she had 34 points and 31 rebounds in a win over Texas Southern. She was 17 for 22 from the field in the game and set the school and American Conference record for rebounds in a game.
