UPDATE: In a stunning display of dominance, the UCLA Bruins crushed the USC Trojans with an emphatic 80-46 victory on January 3, 2026, at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, CA. The game, which attracted 11,241 fans and a national audience on Peacock, showcased the thriving landscape of women’s basketball in Los Angeles.
UCLA’s head coach Cori Close expressed her pride in the team’s performance, reflecting on the legacy of coaching legend John Wooden. “He always valued teamwork and the details that make a team greater than the sum of its parts,” Close stated. “I believe he would have enjoyed watching this team and would be proud of how far the game has come.”
The rivalry between UCLA and USC is fierce, and this matchup was no exception. Despite the lopsided score, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the significance of their shared mission to elevate women’s basketball in Los Angeles. “We know we’ve got two good basketball teams with star power that can draw a crowd,” Gottlieb said. “This game is important for our sport.”
The atmosphere was electric, with fans including basketball icons Cheryl and Reggie Miller in attendance, alongside sports legends like Abby Wambach. “To see the support we have means a lot for women’s basketball,” said UCLA’s Kiki Rice, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the sport.
Despite the setback, USC is focused on rebuilding, playing without star player JuJu Watkins and featuring a roster with only three returning players. “This loss is more of an anomaly than not,” Gottlieb asserted, indicating optimism for the future.
Close’s recent comments about media coverage for women’s sports have sparked discussions regarding the visibility and recognition of female athletes. “We’ve earned more,” she declared, addressing the need for continued progress in women’s sports. “We need to keep pushing because there are still more stories to tell.”
As the season progresses, both teams are committed to showcasing the talent and excitement of women’s basketball in Los Angeles. The Bruins and Trojans will continue to battle not just for wins, but to inspire future generations of female athletes.
Stay tuned for more updates as both teams look to build on this crucial matchup and elevate women’s basketball to new heights.
