UCLA Women Celebrate Senior Day with Victory Over Wisconsin, Marking 21 Straight Wins
The UCLA women’s basketball team, currently ranked No. 2, secured its place in history on Sunday by defeating Wisconsin 80-60 at Pauley Pavilion. This victory marks the first time the program has claimed the outright regular-season conference championship.
“I’m so fortunate to coach incredible young women as people and that we’re willing to believe in a vision that we could create together,” said head coach Cori Close. “To be the first team in UCLA history to win a conference championship outright in the regular season—it’s just humbling to be a part of.”
Lauren Betts led the Bruins with an impressive double-double, contributing 19 points and 14 rebounds. Her performance included three rapid rebounds in the fourth quarter, helping the team celebrate their six seniors on Senior Day while extending their winning streak to 21 games. Five of the Bruins’ seniors scored in double digits during the game.
“That’s the reason we all came here: to do things UCLA has never done before and to win a lot of games and win championships,” stated Gabriela Jaquez. She recorded 14 points and six rebounds in the first half, while Wisconsin’s Dorja Iva Zaja, the Badgers’ leading scorer, managed 16 points overall.
UCLA seized an early lead, jumping to 14-4 within the first three minutes of play. However, the team faced a nearly five-minute scoring drought until Betts broke the silence, allowing Wisconsin to narrow the gap to 16-11 at one point. Ultimately, the Bruins closed the first quarter up 25-15.
In the second quarter, the Badgers proved competitive, scoring 15 points compared to UCLA’s 14, and leading in rebounds 12-9. Wisconsin opened the third quarter with five quick points but could not maintain momentum as UCLA advanced its lead to 65-49 by the end of the quarter.
The Bruins won the fourth quarter 15-11 as they took time to honor their seniors. Coach Close acknowledged the emotional significance of the day, especially in balancing competitive performance with allowing the seniors to savor their final regular-season home game. “I had to make the choice to go, ‘OK, there are some moments you just don’t get back,’” she reflected.
Following the game, the team celebrated their Big Ten championship on the court, with Close expressing gratitude to UCLA’s band and season ticket holders. The Bruins now prepare for their final regular-season game against USC on March 1.
