It feels like just yesterday people were questioning how UCLA would handle the grind of a Big Ten schedule. Moving away from the familiar rhythms of the Pac-12 and into the physical, cross-country gauntlet of the Midwest was supposed to be a "transition period." Well, fast forward to mid-January 2026, and those questions look kinda ridiculous. Honestly, if you've been following ucla women's basketball news, you know this team isn't just surviving the move—they’re basically owning it.
Cori Close has her squad sitting at 16-1 overall and a perfect 6-0 in conference play. They just wrapped up a road trip that would break most teams, punctuated by a 76-58 dismantling of Minnesota on January 14. What makes this version of the Bruins so terrifying? It’s not just the talent. It’s the depth. They have this "pick your poison" energy where if you double-team the post, the guards kill you from the wing. If you play tight on the perimeter, Lauren Betts just eats everyone alive inside.
The Birthday Dominance of Kiki Rice
Let’s talk about Kiki Rice for a second. You’ve probably seen the highlights from the Minnesota game, but the context makes it even better. It was her 22nd birthday. Most people want a cake; Rice wanted a career high. She dropped 25 points while shooting a staggering 89% from the floor. She was 8-of-9 overall and a perfect 3-of-3 from deep.
It wasn't just the scoring, though. It was the way she manipulated the defense. There was this one play—Rice pump-faked just inside the arc, drew two defenders, and then threaded a needle to Sienna Betts for an easy layup. It looked effortless. When your point guard is playing with that kind of "birthday magic," you’re almost impossible to beat. Rice finished with five assists and three steals, basically dictating every single possession of the second half.
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Lauren Betts and the "Twin Towers" Dynamic
While Rice runs the show, everything still revolves around Lauren Betts. The 6-foot-7 senior center is a walking double-double. She’s currently leading the Big Ten in that category with seven on the season. Against Minnesota, she tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds, which almost felt like a "quiet" night for her. Think about that. 17 and 10 is a "quiet" night.
The fun part? She isn't the only Betts on the floor anymore. Freshmen sensation Sienna Betts is starting to carve out her own space. Having two players with that kind of length and basketball IQ is a nightmare for opposing coaches. Maryland’s Brenda Frese is the next one who has to figure it out, and honestly, good luck. Maryland plays a smaller, faster lineup, which usually works, but Lauren Betts hasn't shot below 50% from the field since November. You can’t teach 6-foot-7, and you definitely can’t out-jump it when Lauren is established in the paint.
The Big Ten Standings (As of Jan 18, 2026)
- UCLA: 6-0 (16-1 Overall)
- Iowa: 5-0
- Michigan: 5-1
- Michigan State: 5-1
- Ohio State: 5-1
As you can see, the Bruins are in a dogfight at the top. The "New Big Ten" is stacked. Nine teams from the conference were in the Top 25 earlier this week. It’s brutal.
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What's Next: The Maryland Showdown at Pauley
The big ucla women's basketball news right now is the massive home game today, January 18, against No. 12 Maryland. This is the highest-ranked opponent the Bruins have faced since their only loss of the season (against Texas back in November).
Pauley Pavilion should be rocking. Maryland is coming off a gritty win against USC, so they’re already acclimated to the LA air. They have Yarden Garzon, who is leading the Big Ten in three-pointers made. If UCLA gets lazy on perimeter rotations, Garzon will make them pay. Coach Cori Close mentioned recently that while UCLA is the most efficient offensive team in the country, their defense is "only" ranked 5th. She thinks they have room to grow. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the country.
One thing to watch is the bench production. Angela Dugalic has been huge lately. She’s a 6-foot-4 graduate student who can step out and hit the three but also do the dirty work in the post. She had seven points in the first half against Minnesota and provides that veteran "sturdiness" that every championship-caliber team needs.
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Why This Season Feels Different
In years past, UCLA always had the "potential" label. They were the team that could make a run. This year, they are the run. The chemistry between the veterans like Rice and Betts and the newcomers like Gianna Kneepkens (the Utah transfer) is seamless. Kneepkens brings a certain toughness; she’s a deadeye shooter who isn't afraid to scrap for a steal.
The stats back it up, too. The Bruins are shooting over 50% as a team. That’s absurd for a college squad. They out-rebounded Minnesota 34-22 and had a 17-3 advantage in fast-break points. They’re faster, stronger, and—perhaps most importantly—smarter than they were a year ago.
Things to Keep an Eye On
If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, watch these three things over the next few weeks:
- The Road Fatigue: UCLA has been traveling a lot. They just got back from Nebraska and Minnesota. They have Purdue and Northwestern coming up soon. How their legs hold up in February will determine if they snag a #1 seed in the Big Dance.
- Sienna Betts’ Growth: As the freshman gets more comfortable, she allows Lauren to take breaks without the team losing its interior presence.
- The Iowa Race: UCLA and Iowa are the only undefeated teams left in Big Ten play. That eventual matchup is going to be the game of the year.
If you want to catch the action today, the game against Maryland tips off at 1 p.m. PT at Pauley Pavilion. It's being televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock. It's one of those "statement" games. A win here basically cements UCLA as the team to beat in the conference.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official UCLA Bruins website for ticket availability for the upcoming home stand against Purdue (Jan 21) and Wisconsin (Jan 25).
- Monitor the NCAA NET Rankings; UCLA is currently hovering at #2, and a win over Maryland could push them toward that top spot.
- Watch the injury report for any updates on depth players, as the physical Big Ten style of play tends to lead to minor nagging injuries this time of year.