With 18 games left in the regular season, No. 19 Ohio State women’s basketball is staring down the heart of its Big Ten schedule - and 17 of those matchups are conference showdowns.
But before diving into the thick of the Big Ten grind, the Buckeyes face what might be their biggest test yet: a visit from No. 4 UCLA this Sunday at the Schottenstein Center.
This one’s not just another game - it’s a measuring stick. UCLA rolls in as a national powerhouse with Final Four expectations, while Ohio State is still working through some early-season questions.
The Buckeyes are talented, no doubt, but consistency and identity remain works in progress. The Bruins, on the other hand, are deep, experienced, and dangerous.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes UCLA tick - and where they might be vulnerable - heading into this heavyweight clash.
The Betts Effect - Now Featuring Sienna
Lauren Betts is already a household name in the college basketball world. At 6-foot-7, she’s a dominant force in the paint with a polished post game, elite rebounding instincts, and a presence that alters shots just by being on the floor. But now, she’s got company - her younger sister, Sienna Betts, has finally joined the lineup after missing time due to injury.
Sienna’s only logged limited minutes so far, but she’s already flashing serious upside. Her basketball IQ stands out immediately - she sees the floor well, especially from the high post, and has quickly emerged as one of the team’s best passers. That kind of vision adds a new wrinkle to UCLA’s offense, especially when she’s paired with her sister or slides into the center spot herself.
In just her second game back, Sienna dropped 14 points, showing off her scoring touch and ability to draw contact. She’s versatile, skilled, and poised - a name to watch not just this season, but for years to come.
Filling the Gaps: How UCLA Replaced Key Departures
The Bruins lost a pair of key contributors in Londynn Jones and Janiah Barker to the transfer portal - and while that kind of turnover can rattle a team, UCLA hasn’t missed a beat. Jones brought toughness and grit, especially on the defensive end, while Barker was a dynamic scorer who may not have been fully utilized during her time in Westwood.
Enter Gianna Kneepkens.
The Utah transfer has been a seamless fit, bringing scoring punch, off-ball movement, and knockdown shooting to an already loaded roster. She’s a threat to lead the Bruins in scoring on any given night, and her ability to space the floor has opened things up for everyone else. UCLA head coach Cori Close has emphasized how Kneepkens’ presence prevents defenses from collapsing in the paint - a key adjustment after the Bruins struggled with spacing in last year’s Final Four loss to UConn.
Kneepkens also brings a bit of playmaking to the table, giving UCLA yet another option when it comes to initiating offense. In short, she’s been exactly what the Bruins needed.
Lauren Betts: Still Dominant, Just in a Different Way
After a breakout junior season, Lauren Betts’ numbers have dipped slightly this year - but that doesn’t tell the full story. Part of the reason? She’s simply not being asked to do everything anymore.
Opposing defenses are still throwing the kitchen sink at her - double-teams, physical play, swarm tactics - and Betts has responded by becoming a smarter, more composed decision-maker. She’s reading defenses better, passing out of pressure, and trusting her teammates to make plays.
And that trust is well-placed. This is arguably the deepest roster UCLA has had under Close.
With weapons like Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Kneepkens, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Angela Dugalic, the Bruins don’t need Betts to carry the scoring load every night. That balance makes them even tougher to defend - and it’s a far cry from last season’s Final Four, where Betts often had to shoulder too much of the burden.
Where UCLA Still Has Room to Grow
Despite the top-five ranking and the loaded roster, this Bruins team isn’t without flaws. Two areas stand out: consistency and defense.
Close has been candid about the team’s occasional lapses in focus. During nonconference play, UCLA has handled its business on the scoreboard, but not always with a full 40-minute effort. There have been stretches where the Bruins have taken their foot off the gas - something that won’t fly once the Big Ten gauntlet begins.
Defensively, UCLA is still finding its identity. While the offense is among the best in the country, the defense is more middle-of-the-pack - a concern for a team with national championship aspirations.
Close has said this group isn’t a Final Four team yet, but she believes they can get there. The pieces are in place.
Now it’s about putting it all together.
What This Means for Ohio State
For the Buckeyes, Sunday is more than just a big game - it’s a chance to see how they stack up against one of the nation’s elite. UCLA brings size, depth, and experience, but they’re not invincible. If Ohio State can bring energy for all four quarters, defend the perimeter, and make things uncomfortable for Betts in the paint, they’ll give themselves a shot.
It’s a tall task. But it’s also the kind of matchup that can galvanize a team heading into the heart of conference play.
One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Columbus this weekend.