The music was pumping, hugs were heartfelt, and the white championship hats were out in full force at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA didn’t just notch another victory; they claimed their first-ever Big Ten regular-season title with authority.
For a program steeped in history since 1974, and with a national title from the AIAW era, this achievement marks uncharted territory. It feels like the dawn of something significant.
From West Coast Roots to Midwest Dominance
UCLA women’s basketball is no stranger to success. With a 1978 AIAW national championship and a legacy of producing WNBA talent, the Bruins have a storied past. However, consistent national-title contention has been elusive.
That narrative began to change under the guidance of Cori Close, who took the helm in 2011 and methodically rebuilt the program. Last season’s Final Four appearance signaled a breakthrough.
Then came the seismic shift to the Big Ten.
In 2024, after the Pac-12 dissolved, UCLA joined the Big Ten. The transition meant longer travel, colder climates, and a more physical style of play. But instead of a gradual adjustment, the Bruins seized control, reaching the pinnacle in just their second season.
A Team Built for March
This roster screams championship potential.
Lauren Betts has been a force in the paint, dominating rebounds and defending the rim. Her impact allows UCLA to control the tempo and outlast opponents.
Surrounding her, seasoned guards like Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez bring stability. They play with patience, defend with intensity, and know how to close out games. This blend of size, composure, and defensive grit is the recipe for success in March.
Not Just Happy to Be Here
For years, the benchmark in women’s college basketball has been the UConn Huskies. Now, UCLA is squarely in that elite conversation.
With only one loss this season and a dominant run through Big Ten play, the Bruins have shown they belong. Last year’s Final Four run was proof of concept; this year, they appear even more formidable.
A potential UCLA-UConn matchup in the NCAA tournament wouldn’t be seen as an upset waiting to happen. It would be two titans clashing on the grandest stage.
More Than a Banner
Securing the Big Ten title in just their second year sends a powerful message. It signals to recruits that UCLA can excel in any conference.
It proves last season was no fluke. And it underscores that Cori Close has crafted a program with lasting power.
The Bruins have their first Big Ten crown. But they’re not just reveling in a conference victory. They’re positioning themselves for a bigger chase.
And with the way they’re playing, this might just be the beginning.