No. 4 UCLA women’s basketball faces off against No. 17 USC tonight at Pauley Pavilion in the first crosstown showdown of 2026. Both teams remain undefeated in Big Ten conference play, setting the stage for a rivalry game with major conference implications.
🔥 Quick Facts
- UCLA enters with a 13-1 record and an undefeated 3-0 Big Ten conference mark
- USC stands at 10-3 overall and a perfect 2-0 in Big Ten play heading into tonight
- This is the 109th meeting in program history between these crosstown rivals, with UCLA holding a slight 54-54 all-time series tie
- Former UCLA guard Londynn Jones returns to Pauley in a Trojan uniform, currently averaging 12.5 points for USC
Undefeated Matchup Brings Conference Title Implications
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UCLA remains one of the nation’s elite programs after removing themselves from national title contention with a loss to No. 4 Texas in November. The Bruins have since won every conference game under coach Cori Close, earning No. 4 ranked status in the latest AP Top 25 poll. USC similarly has dominated early conference play and sits inside the top 20 rankings.
The winner of tonight’s matchup will maintain their perfect Big Ten record and control critical conference seeding advantages. Last season, these teams split their matchups across both the regular season and the 2025 Big Ten tournament championship, with UCLA capturing the conference title game 71-64. That victory snapped a frustrating four-game losing streak against USC that had plagued the Bruins throughout 2024-25.
Roster Talent Comparison to Determine Tonight’s Winner
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Lauren Betts continues her dominant senior season for UCLA, averaging 16.2 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting an impressive 57.6% from the field. She will be matched against USC’s defensive schemes, though the Trojans lack a notable interior presence with 6-foot-5 Yakiya Milton appearing in limited minutes all season.
Five UCLA players average double figures, showcasing the team’s balanced offensive attack: Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, and Angela Dugalić join Betts as double-digit scorers. USC counters with guard Jazzy Davidson, the No. 1 recruit from the 2025 class, who averages 16.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. Guards Kara Dunn and Kennedy Smith provide additional scoring punch for the Trojans.
| Category | UCLA | USC |
| Overall Record | 13-1 | 10-3 |
| Big Ten Record | 3-0 (Undefeated) | 2-0 (Undefeated) |
| Top Scorer | Lauren Betts – 16.2 PPG | Jazzy Davidson – 16.8 PPG |
| Ranking | #4 AP Poll | #17 AP Poll |
Londynn Jones Reunion Adds Emotional Edge to Rivalry
Former UCLA guard Londynn Jones brings an emotional storyline to tonight’s matchup. After three seasons with the Bruins, Jones transferred to USC for her senior year and has seamlessly integrated into the Trojan offense. She currently averages 12.5 points while shooting an exceptional 39.3% from three-point range, despite coming off the bench in all but two games.
Coach Cori Close acknowledged the complicated dynamics of facing a former player. According to the Daily Bruin, Close stated, “I want Jones to do well every game – except the two we play in, or maybe three, depending. It’s not my favorite, but more than that, it’s a really important game, and we want to win, and it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere.” The personal connection adds intensity to an already fierce rivalry.
We understand how to control the things that we can control, because there’s a lot on the road that’s out of your control—it’s those kinds of mental toughness and team connection things that really serve us well down the stretch.
— Cori Close, UCLA Women’s Basketball Head Coach
Bruins’ Path to Redemption Against Historic Rivalry Foe
UCLA’s path to victory tonight lies in maintaining their aggressive offensive execution and defensive intensity. The Bruins dominated against Penn State on New Year’s Eve with a 97-61 victory, with Lauren Betts recording her season-high 25 points. UCLA assisted on 27 of 36 made baskets, showcasing the team’s elite ball movement that ranks first in the Big Ten in assists with 22.2 APG.
The Bruins boast one of the most talented rosters in the country with seven McDonald’s All Americans on their roster. Their size advantage in the frontcourt, particularly with junior forward Sienna Betts recently returning to action, provides another dimension against USC’s less imposing interior defense. A strong game at the rim and continued three-point shooting could prove decisive.
Can USC Upset the Higher-Ranked Bruins and Maintain Big Ten Perfection?
USC faces a steep climb against a No. 4-ranked UCLA team that has shown championship-level play throughout the season. However, the Trojans are not to be overlooked—they upset the No. 1-ranked Bruins last February before falling to UCLA in the Big Ten championship. Guard play is where USC can create matchup problems, with Davidson, Dunn, and Smith capable of scoring in bunches.
The atmosphere inside Pauley Pavilion will undoubtedly favor the Bruins, with limited lower bowl seating still available for Friday night’s contest. Both teams are desperate to maintain their perfect Big Ten records, making this a critical February-style matchup in early January. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT on Peacock, with the game broadcast on the streaming service for national audiences.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.