No. 2 UCLA, No. 3 South Carolina Prove They're the Best in the Big Ten, SEC

Bruins and Gamecocks earn big conference wins as more in-conference tests await both teams.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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UCLA and South Carolina earned impressive conference wins over the weekend, cementing their status as the top teams in the Big Ten and SEC, respectively. The Bruins defeated No. 7 Michigan 69-66 to remain undefeated in Big Ten play, while the Gamecocks routed Tennessee by 43 points, the worst defeat in Lady Vols history. Both teams now have their sights set on key upcoming matchups, with UCLA taking on Michigan State and South Carolina facing LSU.

Why it matters

UCLA and South Carolina's dominant performances against top conference foes demonstrate why they are considered the best teams in their respective leagues. Their ability to win on the road against highly ranked opponents underscores their national championship aspirations and the challenges facing their future opponents.

The details

Against Michigan, UCLA was led by a double-double from Lauren Betts (16 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks) and 20 points from Kiki Rice. The Bruins' win keeps them perfect in Big Ten play and extends their winning streak to 17 games. Meanwhile, South Carolina cruised to a 43-point victory over Tennessee, the worst defeat in Lady Vols history. Ta'Niya Latson scored 21 points for the Gamecocks, while Joyce Edwards reached 1,000 career points in the win.

  • UCLA defeated Michigan on Sunday, February 12, 2026.
  • South Carolina routed Tennessee on Sunday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Lauren Betts

A 6-foot-7 forward for UCLA who had a dominant double-double against Michigan.

Kiki Rice

The leading scorer for UCLA with 20 points in their win over Michigan.

Ta'Niya Latson

The standout guard for South Carolina who scored 21 points in their blowout of Tennessee.

Joyce Edwards

The South Carolina forward who reached 1,000 career points in the win over Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

UCLA and South Carolina's dominant conference wins over top-ranked opponents solidify their status as the premier teams in the Big Ten and SEC, respectively. Their ability to win on the road against highly ranked foes underscores their national championship aspirations and the challenges facing their future opponents.