LOS ANGELES — The UCLA women’s basketball team has handled its Big Ten schedule with ease – to the tune of a 22.9 average win margin. But on Wednesday, the Bruins found themselves in a battle with Illinois.
The lead dwindled to seven in the fourth quarter, but UCLA ultimately rebuilt the cushion, earning an 80-67 victory. Within that tight-knit final frame, the No. 2 Bruins gained valuable lessons that could translate to the next matchup when they host No. 8 Iowa on Sunday.
“There was really great value,” Bruins head coach Cori Close said at practice Friday. “You know, we were challenged. … And we had to practice poise, you know, make some adjustments to how they were playing.”
With the game teetering in the balance, the Bruins (20-1, 10-0 Big Ten) had to value each possession, focus on their free throws and adjust to an unexpected wrinkle Illinois threw their way. It was a challenge, as Close said, one they relished because close games have been a rarity in the Big Ten.
The Illini, for example, were the first Big Ten team to defend UCLA’s post players 1-on-1. The Bruins had grown comfortable with teams doubling 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts, leading to open kick-outs for 3-point shots. The Illini’s coverage forced the Bruins to adapt. Betts, and backup post player Sienna Betts, had more space to operate. The sisters ultimately combined for 33 points, with Lauren contributing nine in the fourth quarter.
“They’re a great team,” UCLA guard Charlisse Leger-Walker said of Illinois. “They threw some different things at us that we didn’t necessarily see this season. And that’s great for us.”
Betts also hit a trio of free throws in the fourth quarter as the Bruins went 8 of 10 from the line in the final frame. They finished Wednesday’s game 23 of 27, with Betts, a 66% free-throw shooter on the season, going 7 of 9 and senior Gabriela Jaquez making 7 of 8.
The Bruins had the poise to make their free throws in the face of jeering fans.
“Playing on the road like that, in that environment, they had a great crowd,” senior Kiki Rice said. “I think that’s going to be what we learn from those environments, those games. Everything’s not going to be easy for us.”
“The value of that game is that we got challenged and we had to respond with less margin for error, and we had to do it quickly, in a pressurized, hostile environment,” Close added.
After the Illini cut it to seven with 1:15 left, UCLA worked the shot clock on the following possession. Gianna Kneepkens made a layup and the Bruins ultimately extended their advantage to 13.
“I think that will be a lesson that bodes well for us as we go down the stretch to a possibly more contested game against Iowa,” Close said.
The Hawkeyes (18-2, 9-1 Big Ten) were tied with the Bruins atop the Big Ten conference before an 81-69 loss at USC on Thursday. They’ve reached the highest ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 since Caitlin Clark’s senior year (2023-24).
Sophomore Ava Heiden is a versatile guard who leads Iowa in points (16.2 per game) and rebounds (7.7). Forward Hannah Steulke has scored in double digits in 11 of the past 12 games. The Hawkeyes have defeated five AP Top 25 opponents, and are hoping to bolster their résumé against UCLA.
“I have so much respect for the job that [coach] Jan [Jensen] has done with that group,” Close said. “They know their identity, they know their strengths really well.”
Although the Hawkeyes lost to the Trojans, the winner of Sunday’s bout between the Hawkeyes and Bruins will give one team the fast track to the top spot in the Big Ten. Fortunately for UCLA, it was given a much-needed test ahead of that crucial game.
No. 8 Iowa (18-2, 9-1 Big Ten) at No. 2 UCLA (20-1, 10-0)
When: 1 p.m. Sunday
Where: Pauley Pavilion
TV: FOX (Ch. 11)
