Full Breakdown
UCLA Women's Basketball Celebrates Senior Day with Big Ten Championship Victory
2/23/2026, 6:04:18 AM
Historic Achievement and Emotional Farewell
On February 22, 2026, the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team clinched their first outright Big Ten regular-season championship, defeating the Wisconsin Badgers 80-60 at Pauley Pavilion. This victory marked the Bruins' 21st consecutive win and solidified their perfect 17-0 record in conference play. The game also served as a poignant Senior Day celebration for a talented group of six seniors, including Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Angela Dugalic.
Game Highlights and Performance
Lauren Betts led the Bruins with an impressive performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and providing five assists. Gabriela Jaquez contributed significantly with 17 points and seven rebounds. The Bruins showcased their depth, with five players scoring in double figures. Despite Wisconsin's efforts, including nine three-pointers, the Badgers struggled with 19 turnovers, ultimately leading to their eighth consecutive loss.
UCLA had already secured the Big Ten title prior to the game, thanks to a victory by No. 13 Iowa over sixth-ranked Michigan. The Bruins' win against Wisconsin not only celebrated their seniors but also positioned them to potentially complete an undefeated regular season with a final game against USC.
Senior Class Recognition
The emotional Senior Day ceremony included heartfelt tributes to the seniors, who have played pivotal roles in elevating UCLA's program to national prominence. Coach Cori Close expressed her pride in the team's achievements, stating, “I could not be more proud of them as their coach.” The seniors received flowers and framed collages, marking the culmination of their college careers.
Lauren Betts reflected on her time at UCLA, saying, “I’m just so grateful for all of my other seniors who I’ve been able to play with this year and past years. I just love these girls so much, so it’s been a really emotional day.” This sentiment was echoed by Jaquez, who emphasized the team's collective goal of achieving unprecedented success.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season concluding, the Bruins are set to host first- and second-round games in the NCAA Tournament as a top seed. Their performance this season has positioned them as strong contenders for a deep postseason run. Coach Close highlighted the importance of the seniors' impact, stating, “In the end, banners hang in gyms and rings collect dust, but you get to keep who you become and who you impact forever.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Bruins celebrated their championship, Wisconsin's struggles continued, with varying reports on their performance throughout the season. The Badgers have faced challenges, including a significant number of turnovers and defensive issues, which have contributed to their recent losing streak.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s my mom’s fault,” — Lauren Betts, UCLA Center
- “to do things that UCLA has never done before and to win a lot of games and win championships.” — Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA Guard
- “I could not be more proud of them as their coach,” — Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach
- “I’m just so grateful for all of my other seniors who I’ve been able to play with this year and past years. I just love these girls so much, so it’s been a really emotional day.” — Lauren Betts, UCLA Center
- “In the end, banners hang in gyms and rings collect dust, but you get to keep who you become and who you impact forever, and I think these six understand they’re pretty proud of who they’ve become.” — Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach
The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team now looks forward to the postseason, aiming to build on their historic regular season and continue their journey toward a national championship.
