The No. 3-ranked UCLA Women’s Basketball team is set to embark on a challenging two-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against Northwestern this Sunday. The Bruins, boasting an impressive record of 18 wins and only 1 loss (8-0 in the Big Ten), will face off against the Wildcats, who stand at 8-11 overall and 2-6 in the conference. The game is scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. PT at Welsh Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois, and will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
UCLA opened the 2025-26 season with significant expectations, starting ranked third in the Associated Press Top 25 Women’s Basketball Poll. November saw the Bruins engage in several top-15 matchups, including games against No. 6 Oklahoma (Nov. 10) and No. 11 North Carolina (Nov. 13), where they ended the month with a solid 3-1 record against ranked opponents. Furthermore, the Bruins had multiple games played at neutral site locations, making two trips to Las Vegas and finishing with a 3-1 record during these high-stakes contests.
The Big Ten conference currently shows a strong presence in the AP rankings, featuring eight teams in the Top 25, with UCLA leading the pack. The Bruins continued to make headlines in the 2024-25 season by achieving a remarkable 23-game winning streak, the longest in program history, successfully eclipsing the previous record of 21 wins set during their championship season in 1977-78.
UCLA’s roster includes seven McDonald’s All Americans, emphasizing their recruitment success and depth in talent. The team’s scoring prowess is evident, as four players are averaging double figures and the Bruin starting five collectively scores an average of 69.5 points per game. The Bruins have also demonstrated their scoring efficiency, leading the Big Ten in field goal percentage at 51.9% and ranking high nationally in several key metrics, including rebounding margin and assist-to-turnover ratio.
With six players having scored over 20 points in a game this season, UCLA’s offensive performance is complemented by their solid defensive record, leading the conference in several statistical categories, including three-point shooting percentage and three-point defense. Additionally, UCLA is currently ranked second in the nation in NET rankings, with nine impressive Quad 1 wins, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level.
As the Bruins prepare for this road trip, they will aim to continue their momentum and solidify their status as national title contenders. This journey not only highlights their skill and teamwork but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.