UCLA rolls past Wisconsin 80-60, celebrates first outright Big Ten title with 21st win in a row

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UCLA guard Kiki Rice (1) drives the ball against Wisconsin guard Laci Steele during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/William Liang)

UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) shoots a free throw during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/William Liang) — UCLA guard Kiki Rice (1) drives the ball against Wisconsin guard Laci Steele during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/William Liang)

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7:35 PM on Sunday, February 22

By BETH HARRIS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lauren Betts had 19 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, and No. 2 UCLA defeated Wisconsin 80-60 for its 21st consecutive victory on Sunday, when the Bruins celebrated the program's first outright Big Ten championship.

The Bruins (27-1, 17-0) are close to completing the first undefeated league season since 2014-15, when Maryland went 18-0. They finished 14-0 at home and have one road game remaining.

Wearing white title caps, the Bruins gathered at center court in a group hug and posed with the trophy.

UCLA had already clinched the title by the time it took the court, thanks to No. 13 Iowa’s 62-44 victory over sixth-ranked Michigan earlier in the day. Both Michigan and Iowa are tied for second with three losses each.

Gabriela Jaquez had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Bruins, who had five players in double figures.

Dorja Zaja scored 16 points and Lily Krahn added 13 for the Badgers (13-15, 5-12). They lost their eighth in a row and fell to 2-9 on the road.

Wisconsin struck for two quick baskets to open the third and get within seven. Destiny Howell scored and Ronnie Porter hit a 3-pointer.

But the Bruins took over, outscoring Wisconsin 24-15 to take a 65-49 lead into the fourth.

The Bruins led by 14 points on Jaquez's 3-pointer early in the second quarter. The Badgers twice cut their deficit to eight points before trailing 41-29 at halftime.

On Senior Day, the Bruins honored Betts, Kiki Rice, Jaquez, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Gianna Kneepkens and Angela Dugalic with flowers before the game. Rice and Jaquez have spent their entire four-year careers at UCLA; the others transferred to Westwood.

Up next

Wisconsin: Hosts No. 13 Iowa on March 1 to end regular season.

UCLA: Visits crosstown rival USC in regular-season finale on March 1.

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