UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Pauley Pavilion, the No. 4 UCLA Bruins dominated the No. 17 USC Trojans with a resounding 80-46 victory on January 3, 2026. The game drew an enthusiastic crowd of 11,241 fans and a national audience streaming on Peacock, highlighting the growing excitement around women’s basketball in Los Angeles.
The Bruins’ head coach, Cori Close, reflected on the significance of the game, drawing inspiration from the legendary John Wooden. “He valued teamwork and the purity of the women’s game,” Close stated, emphasizing how far women’s basketball has come.
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the local talent and the strong fan support for women’s basketball. “We have star power and excellent players,” Gottlieb remarked, affirming the importance of both teams in the L.A. sports landscape.
The rivalry is fierce yet respectful, with both teams already establishing their credentials in the NCAA. Last season, USC clinched the Big Ten regular-season title on UCLA’s home court, while the Bruins retaliated in the conference tournament. Despite a tough loss this time, Gottlieb remains optimistic about her team’s potential, stating, “This 34-point loss is more of an anomaly than not.”
The match showcased exceptional talent, including UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice, who played pivotal roles in the victory. Rice noted the electric atmosphere, saying, “A big crowd is really loud. Those are always the most fun games.”
Adding to the star-studded audience, basketball legends Cheryl and Reggie Miller, along with U.S. women’s soccer icon Abby Wambach and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, were in attendance, underscoring the rising profile of women’s sports.
Close addressed the media’s role in promoting women’s basketball, expressing frustration over the lack of coverage following a recent victory against Ohio State. “We’ve earned more,” she declared, calling for greater recognition of women’s sports achievements.
Both coaches share a commitment to elevating women’s basketball in L.A., with Close stating, “We want to grow the game together.” This collaboration is vital for the sport’s future, as both teams aim to inspire young athletes and secure a larger fan base.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Bruins and Trojans as they strive to further their legacies and continue building momentum for women’s basketball in Los Angeles. The next matchup promises to be as thrilling as ever, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story in women’s basketball.
