No. 2 UCLA beats Washington, clinches share of Big Ten title - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Felicia Keller

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The No. 2 UCLA women’s basketball team secured a thrilling 82-67 victory over Washington on Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion, extending their win streak to an impressive 20 games and clinching the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten tournament. This win also earned UCLA at least a share of the regular season conference title, marking their first such achievement since the 1998-99 season when they tied for first in the Pac-10. Senior center Lauren Betts led the Bruins with a game-high 23 points and was one of five UCLA players to finish in double figures, showcasing the team’s balanced scoring attack. UCLA’s dominance was evident early, as they built a significant lead by halftime, outscoring Washington 42-29. The Bruins’ defense limited Washington to just 67 points overall and outrebounded their opponents 37-20. Despite struggles from beyond the arc—shooting only 26.7% compared to their season average of 38.2%—UCLA managed to maintain control of the game, with assists playing a key role in their offense. Charlisse Leger-Walker contributed eight assists, including several for Gianna Kneepkens, who scored 17 points. The victory was particularly meaningful for UCLA, as they honored six graduating players during their final home game against Wisconsin on Sunday. Coach Cori Close praised her team’s humility and focus, acknowledging the hard work that led to this milestone. The Bruins’ success has positioned them as one of the top teams in women’s college basketball, with a strong résumé heading into the Big Ten tournament and potential NCAA Championship aspirations. UCLA’s next games will be crucial as they look to solidify their legacy in the conference. Their upcoming matchups against Wisconsin and rival USC present opportunities for further growth and celebration of their seniors. The team’s ability to maintain their momentum will be closely watched, not only by fans but also by national observers eager to see if this UCLA squad can achieve even greater heights in the coming weeks. This win over Washington underscores UCLA’s rise as a powerhouse in women’s basketball, continuing a legacy that began decades ago

Verticals

newscalifornia

Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026