
It is hard to find another team in women's college basketball that has looked more impressive all season than the fourth-ranked UCLA Bruins.
A dominant 80-46 win over in-state rival, No. 17 USC (10-4, 2-1 Big Ten) on Saturday, only strengthened that case as the Bruins (14-1, 4-0 Big Ten) picked up their fifth ranked win of the season, four of which have been by double digits.
Although the game was tied at 16 after one quarter, UCLA quickly made it a 43-28 game at halftime and only held the Trojans to 18 second-half points as it continues to look like a serious threat to win the national title.
The senior center had 18 points (7-of-14 FG), 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks, posting her fifth double-double of the season. This feed to Betts inside stretched UCLA's advantage to 30 with just over five minutes remaining.
Double your money on these Betts
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) January 4, 2026
: @peacock #GoBruins | @laurenbetts12 x @SiennaBetts pic.twitter.com/RE0tFYblbh
Betts was a huge part of UCLA's dominance in the paint, outscoring the Trojans, 42-10. UCLA also outrebounded USC, 46-26, while shooting 53% from the field.
As impressive as Betts was, she was not the only one getting in on the fun as four of UCLA's five starters scored in double figures, led by senior guard Gianna Kneepkens (15 points, 2-of-4 3PT). While the Bruins only made four threes the entire game, Kneepkens hit two of them, including this corner triple late in the opening half.
Threepkens getting active!
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) January 4, 2026
: @peacock #GoBruins | @laurenbetts12 x @Char_legerwalks pic.twitter.com/e71mbTNG1h
This is clearly not the same USC team without star JuJu Watkins, who is still recovering from a torn right ACL during last season's NCAA Tournament. However, the Trojans entered Saturday with three ranked wins and suffered each of their three defeats to ranked opponents, so they still posed a challenge for the Bruins regardless.
UCLA took care of business and once again proved why it could be playing for a national title, especially with the balanced offense and ferocious defense it displayed against the Trojans.
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