UPDATE: The No. 3 UCLA women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance against Northwestern, winning 80-46 on Sunday, January 25, 2026, marking their 13th straight victory. This impressive win keeps UCLA firmly at the top of the Big Ten standings, tied with 10th-ranked Iowa.
In a game played in Evanston, Illinois, UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez led the charge with 19 points, while Lauren Betts contributed 16 points and Kiki Rice added 15 points along with 10 rebounds. The Bruins dominated from the start, never trailing and establishing an early lead of 21-14 after the first period. A decisive 15-2 run at the end of the first half propelled them to a commanding 46-22 lead at halftime.
The Wildcats struggled offensively, managing only three field goals in the second quarter and failing to score in the final 4:57 of the half. Despite their efforts to double-team the towering 6-foot-7 Betts, she adeptly assisted her teammates, finishing the game with six assists. UCLA also showcased their strength on the boards, out-rebounding Northwestern 44-25.
UCLA’s average margin of victory against conference opponents stands at an astonishing 27.8 points per game. In contrast, Northwestern, led by Grace Sullivan’s 21 points, has now lost two straight and 12 of their last 14 games, further complicating their season.
Looking ahead, the Bruins will take on Illinois on Wednesday, aiming to extend their winning streak to 14 games. With their dominant display against Northwestern, UCLA continues to assert itself as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!
