Inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic

Lauren Betts delivered a dominant performance with 24 points, nine rebounds, and a school-record nine blocks to lead No. 1 UCLA to a 72-57 victory over No. 25 Baylor in the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic. The Bruins (18-0) built an early double-digit lead, and while Baylor (16-4) fought back to within five points at times, Betts and her teammates consistently responded to secure the win. Yaya Felder led Baylor with 10 points as the Bears saw their five-game winning streak come to an end.

The Coretta Scott King Classic, held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, was established to honor King’s legacy and celebrate female empowerment in sports. According to organizers, it is the first sporting event to license the names of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. The doubleheader also featured a top-10 showdown between No. 7 Texas and No. 8 Maryland.

Texas dominated Maryland in an 89-51 victory, shooting 54% from the field and forcing 27 turnovers to generate 33 points. Sophomore Madison Booker led the Longhorns with 28 points on 13-of-19 shooting, including a stellar 13-point first quarter that set the tone for the game. Texas never trailed, scoring 54 points in the paint and holding Maryland to just six points in the second quarter. Kaylene Smikle was the lone Terrapin to score in double figures with 15 points.

The event not only showcased high-level basketball but also celebrated the enduring legacy of Coretta Scott King. Organizers worked with The King Center, founded by Coretta and currently led by her daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King, to bring the event to life. The Classic highlighted the importance of women’s sports while honoring the Kings’ contributions to civil rights and social justice.

Looking ahead, Texas (18-2, 4-1 SEC) will resume SEC play Thursday at home against No. 17 Tennessee, while Maryland (16-2, 6-1 Big Ten) will travel to Ohio State. The inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic leaves a lasting impression as a meaningful celebration of history, empowerment, and athletic excellence.