No. 2 UCLA women defeat USC in undefeated Big Ten season

The Bruins capped off an impressive conference run with a victory over their crosstown rivals.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 2 ranked UCLA women's basketball team defeated their crosstown rivals, the USC Trojans, to complete an undefeated season in Big Ten conference play. The Bruins, led by standout center Lauren Betts, were able to stifle the Trojans' offense and pull away for a decisive victory at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

UCLA's undefeated Big Ten season is a major accomplishment, as the conference is widely considered one of the toughest in women's college basketball. The victory over USC also maintains the Bruins' position as one of the top teams in the nation and a favorite to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The details

In the game, UCLA center Lauren Betts was a dominant force, blocking several shots from USC forward Dayana Mendes and controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. The Bruins were able to pull away in the second half, capitalizing on their defensive intensity and balanced scoring attack.

  • The game was played on March 1, 2026 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.

The players

Lauren Betts

The standout center for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team.

Dayana Mendes

A forward for the USC Trojans women's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us to cap off an incredible conference season. The team played with so much heart and determination today.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Women's Basketball Head Coach (Los Angeles Times)

The takeaway

UCLA's dominant victory over their crosstown rivals USC capped off an undefeated Big Ten season for the Bruins, further cementing their status as one of the top women's basketball programs in the country and a team to watch in the upcoming NCAA tournament.