UCLA Bruins Clinch Big Ten Championship
On Sunday, the UCLA Bruins achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching their first outright Big Ten championship and earning their 21st consecutive win, triumphing over the Wisconsin Badgers with a score of 80-60. Star player Lauren Betts was instrumental in the victory, contributing 19 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. With this victory, UCLA is now on the verge of concluding the regular season undefeated in league play, a feat last accomplished in 2015-16 by Maryland, who finished 18-0 in the conference.
Celebration and Team Performance
The Bruins, currently boasting an impressive record of 27-1 overall and 17-0 in the Big Ten, celebrated this achievement on their home court, donning white championship caps and gathering for a heartfelt photo with the trophy after the game. They had already secured the title earlier that day when No. 13 Iowa defeated No. 6 Michigan 62-44, leaving both Michigan and Iowa tied for second place, each with three losses.
In addition to Betts, Gabriela Jaquez also made significant contributions to the team’s success, scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds. UCLA had a balanced scoring effort, with five players reaching double figures. For Wisconsin, Dorja Zaja led with 16 points and Lily Krahn added 13, but the Badgers continued to struggle, marking their eighth consecutive loss, bringing their road record to 2-9.
Game Highlights
Wisconsin attempted a comeback early in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to seven points with quick baskets, but the Bruins responded decisively, outpacing their opponents 24-15 in that period and entering the final quarter with a comfortable 65-49 lead. By halftime, UCLA held a 41-29 advantage, having briefly extended their lead to 14 points thanks to a three-pointer from Jaquez in the second quarter.
Senior Day Festivities
As part of Senior Day festivities, the Bruins honored their graduating players, including Betts, Kiki Rice, Jaquez, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Gianna Kneepkens, and Angela Dugalic, who received flowers in acknowledgment of their contributions to the program.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Wisconsin will host No. 13 Iowa on March 1 to conclude their regular season. Meanwhile, UCLA will face crosstown rival USC on the same day in their final game of the regular season.
