Maryland vs UCLA: Bruins dominate 97-67, Jaquez drops 22 points

No. 3 UCLA Bruins delivered a dominant performance, crushing No. 12 Maryland decisively. Gabriela Jaquez led the charge with 22 points on nearly perfect shooting. The 97-67 victory extended UCLA’s impressive winning streak to 11 games at Pauley Pavilion on Sunday.

Bruins Dominate Third Quarter to Pull Away

UCLA controlled the game from start to finish, but the third quarter proved decisive. The Bruins outscored Maryland significantly in that frame, establishing an insurmountable lead. Cori Close’s squad executed their offense flawlessly after a grueling practice earlier in the week.

The Terrapins couldn’t match UCLA’s intensity on either end. Maryland’s turnovers and defensive lapses allowed the Bruins to build their lead systematically. By halftime, UCLA had already established control of the matchup.

Jaquez’s Shooting Clinic Powers UCLA’s Offense

Gabriela Jaquez was nearly unstoppable, making 10 of 13 attempts from the floor. Her efficient performance set the tone early and frustrated Maryland’s defense throughout. Jaquez distributed the ball effectively when double-teamed, creating scoring opportunities for teammates.

Charlisse Leger-Walker chimed in with steady production, adding 17 points while also facilitating the offense. Notably, she delivered a spectacular no-look pass to Jaquez in the fourth quarter. Gianna Kneepkens contributed 16 points despite four fouls, while Lauren Betts swatted five blocks as part of UCLA’s stifling defense.

Bruins’ Balanced Attack Too Much for Maryland

UCLA’s offensive depth overwhelmed the Terrapins. Beyond Jaquez and Leger-Walker, role players stepped up significantly. Angela Dugalic scored 12 points, Lauren Betts added 11 points, and Sienna Betts chipped in 9 points.

Factor	UCLA	Maryland
Record	17-1 (7-0 Big Ten)	17-3 (5-3 Big Ten)
Lead Scorer	Jaquez, 22 points	Oluchi Okananwa, 25 points
Rebounds	48 total	24 total
Three-Pointers	13 of 23 (56.5%)	6 of 23 (26.1%)

Maryland’s shooting proved insufficient against UCLA’s suffocating defense. The Terrapins connected on just 26.1% of their three-pointers, while UCLA torched nets from distance at 56.5%. The rebounding disparity was striking, with UCLA controlling 48 boards compared to Maryland’s 24.

“Gabriela Jaquez scored 22 points, and No. 3 UCLA pulled away in a dominant third quarter to beat 12th-ranked Maryland 99-67.”

— Associated Press, Jan. 18, 2026

UCLA Remains Undefeated in Big Ten Conference Play

The Bruins improved to 7-0 in Big Ten competition, staying hot in pursuit of the national championship. UCLA’s 11-game winning streak stretches back to November 26, when they suffered their only loss to No. 4 Texas in Las Vegas. The team remains close behind No. 1 UConn and No. 2 South Carolina in the national rankings.

Coach Cori Close emphasized the importance of consistency. The grueling practice before facing Maryland appeared to benefit the team’s execution. UCLA’s depth and defensive intensity continue to separate them from conference rivals. Maryland’s 30-point defeat marked their worst loss of the season.

What’s Next for Both Teams After This Decisive Result?

UCLA faces an elite schedule ahead as they continue their pursuit of an undefeated conference season. The Bruins must maintain this level of intensity against other ranked opponents. Maryland, despite the loss, remains a tournament contender but suffered injuries that may have impacted their performance.

This victory showcases UCLA’s potential on college basketball’s biggest stages. With Jaquez playing at an elite level and role players stepping up, the Bruins have established themselves as national championship contenders moving forward into conference play.

Sources

• Los Angeles Times – UCLA women’s basketball coverage and game analysis
• ESPN – Game recap, statistics, and player performance data
• AP Sports – Official game reporting and team updates