UCLA clinches Big Ten title with dominant win, eyes historic postseason run
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 23, 2026, 22:47 IST
UCLA clinches Big Ten title with dominant win, eyes historic postseason run
No. 2 UCLA secured the Big Ten regular-season title with an emphatic 80-60 victory over Wisconsin at Pauley Pavilion, marking the program’s first outright conference championship. The Bruins improved to 27-1 overall and a perfect 17-0 in league play, extending their winning streak to 21 games. Lauren Betts powered the win with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Gabriela Jaquez added 17 points and seven boards on senior night. After the final buzzer, players celebrated on the court in white championship hats, savoring a milestone moment years in the making for seniors like Jaquez and Kiki Rice. UCLA has not lost since Nov. 26 against Texas and now turns its attention toward postseason play, seeking its first national title since 1978 in the AIAW era. With one regular-season game remaining against rival USC, the Bruins are focused on finishing strong.
No. 2 UCLA captured the Big Ten regular season title with an 80-60 victory over Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins’ victory marked their first outright league title, with the remaining Big Ten contest set for later this week. UCLA improved to 27-1 on the season, including 17-0 in Big Ten action, and extended its winning streak to 21 consecutive outings into the month of March.
Lauren Betts led the way with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Gabriela Jaquez had 17 points and seven rebounds on senior night. UCLA players slapped on white championship hats after the final buzzer and celebrated with their fans on the court. It’s a moment that four-year seniors like Kiki Rice and Jaquez have dreamed of their entire four years at UCLA.
“I just love these girls so much,” Betts said. “Winning a game like this, making history on our senior night has got to be one of the most special moments.”
UCLA last lost to Texas on Nov. 26. Since then, the Bruins have beaten everybody in sight. Now the tournament is here, and UCLA’s last national title was in 1978. That was in the AIAW days, and the team was coached by the incomparable Ann Meyers.
This week, Coach Cori Close made sure the Wildcat players are focusing on today and not looking too far into the future.
UCLA head coach Close said, “In reality, this is one of the best teams in UCLA history.”
After having a week off for finals, the Bruins have one more match up left in the regular season against rival USC next week. After that, the postseason is right on the horizon.
Lauren Betts led the way with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Gabriela Jaquez had 17 points and seven rebounds on senior night. UCLA players slapped on white championship hats after the final buzzer and celebrated with their fans on the court. It’s a moment that four-year seniors like Kiki Rice and Jaquez have dreamed of their entire four years at UCLA.
“I just love these girls so much,” Betts said. “Winning a game like this, making history on our senior night has got to be one of the most special moments.”
UCLA last lost to Texas on Nov. 26. Since then, the Bruins have beaten everybody in sight. Now the tournament is here, and UCLA’s last national title was in 1978. That was in the AIAW days, and the team was coached by the incomparable Ann Meyers.
This week, Coach Cori Close made sure the Wildcat players are focusing on today and not looking too far into the future.
UCLA head coach Close said, “In reality, this is one of the best teams in UCLA history.”
After having a week off for finals, the Bruins have one more match up left in the regular season against rival USC next week. After that, the postseason is right on the horizon.