UCLA's Kiki Rice Named Co-Big Ten Player of the Week

Rice's dominant performances against Rutgers and No. 8 Michigan earn her first career conference honor.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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UCLA senior guard Kiki Rice has been named the Big Ten Co-Player of the Week alongside Indiana senior guard Shay Ciezki. Rice earned the honor after a dominant week of play that included a 17-point, 7-rebound, 3-steal game against Rutgers and a 20-point, 4-rebound, 2-steal, 2-assist performance in a 69-66 win over No. 8 Michigan.

Why it matters

Rice's selection marks the first time she has earned the Big Ten Player of the Week award in her college career. She is the third Bruin to receive the honor this season, joining senior center Lauren Betts and senior forward Gabriela Jaquez, highlighting UCLA's impressive depth and improvement as a team.

The details

Rice exploded in the second half against Michigan, scoring 16 of her 20 points to help UCLA outlast the surging Wolverines. She is shooting a career-high 40% from three-point range and 89.5% from the free-throw line this season, putting her on the edge of the exclusive 40/50/90 club that her teammates Jaquez and graduate guard Gianna Kneepkens have also reached.

  • On Feb. 4, Rice had 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals in UCLA's 86-46 win over Rutgers.
  • On Feb. 8, Rice scored 20 points with 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists in UCLA's 69-66 victory over No. 8 Michigan.

The players

Kiki Rice

A senior guard for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team who was named the Big Ten Co-Player of the Week after a dominant performance against Rutgers and No. 8 Michigan.

Lauren Betts

A senior center for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team who has also received the Big Ten Player of the Week honor this season.

Gabriela Jaquez

A senior forward for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team who has also received the Big Ten Player of the Week honor this season and is part of the exclusive 40/50/90 shooting club.

Gianna Kneepkens

A graduate guard for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team who is also part of the exclusive 40/50/90 shooting club.

Shay Ciezki

A senior guard for the Indiana Hoosiers women's basketball team who was named the Big Ten Co-Player of the Week alongside Kiki Rice.

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The takeaway

Kiki Rice's breakout season and first Big Ten Player of the Week award highlight the impressive depth and improvement of the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, which has emerged as one of the top teams in the country thanks to the contributions of players like Rice, Lauren Betts, and Gabriela Jaquez.