UCLA Women’s Basketball Clinches Share of Big Ten Title

UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close often emphasizes that true growth comes from a mix of challenges and joy. Last night, the second-place Bruins experienced both during their nearly final home game of the season.

Facing a tricky Washington team at Pauley Pavilion, they had their struggles. However, they managed to pull through with a solid win at 82-67, taking a moment to appreciate the achievement.

With this victory, UCLA secured a share of the Big Ten regular season title and earned the top seed for the upcoming conference tournament. This marks their first regular-season conference title since 1999, when they were part of the Pac-10.

Close reflected on the significance of the win, stating, “We have a lot to work on moving forward, but it’s important to recognize what we’ve accomplished—a feat that hasn’t happened here since 1999, which is really special.”

The game’s atmosphere was even more meaningful with several former players from the 1999 team present in the crowd. UCLA (26-1 overall, 16-0 Big Ten) now has a chance to secure the conference title outright with a win against Wisconsin on Sunday.

“Obviously, we want to win outright,” said Bruins center Lauren Betts.

In the game, UCLA dominated in the paint, outscoring the Huskies 48-24, despite Washington’s ten three-pointers. Betts led the team with an impressive 23 points, making 11 of 15 shots as she became a key player in controlling the game.

What Does That Mean?

The Bruins avoided any letdowns and kept their sights set on the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. They are also in a position to become the first Big Ten team since Maryland in 2014-15 to finish the regular season undefeated in conference play. The Terrapins went on to the Final Four that year, though they fell short against UW in the national semifinals.

Turning Point

After stumbling late in the second quarter with careless turnovers and rebounding issues, the Bruins quickly turned things around and gained a commanding 17-point lead early in the third quarter. A pivotal steal by Charlice Ledger-Walker transitioned into a layup by Betts, pushing the score to 48-31 and prompting a Washington timeout. The Bruins aimed for a 20-game winning streak.

MVP

Betts continued to shine, consistently contributing to her team’s efforts. She recorded eight rebounds and was among the game’s high scorers, nearly achieving a double-double within just 25 minutes of play, adding two assists and two blocks to her performance.

Next Up

UCLA’s final home game against Wisconsin this Sunday will serve as an emotional farewell for senior players like Betts, Reger Walker, Kiki Rice, Gabriella Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, and Angela Dugaric.

“If you weren’t there on Sunday, you really missed something special,” Close remarked after the game.

Senior forward Timea Gardiner is currently sidelined with a knee injury but is expected to make her return next season.