Los Angeles witnessed a significant display of women’s basketball as the No. 4 UCLA Bruins triumphed over the No. 17 USC Trojans with an emphatic score of 80-46 on January 3, 2026. The game took place at UCLA’s iconic Pauley Pavilion, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 11,241 and a national audience via streaming platform Peacock.
Both teams showcased their talents, but UCLA’s dominance was evident throughout the match. Bruins coach Cori Close, who has a long-standing appreciation for the women’s game, expressed her belief that the teamwork on display would have made legendary coach John Wooden proud. Close reflected on Wooden’s legacy, stating, “He always valued that people as a team were making plays for one another… and he valued the life lessons that happened between pursuing excellence on the court.”
The game was not only an athletic contest but also a platform for promoting women’s basketball. Close had previously voiced her frustration regarding media coverage, particularly after a recent game against No. 19 Ohio State where no reporters attended. She emphasized the importance of media support in growing the sport, stating, “We’ve earned more. We gotta have great gratitude because we have come so far, and we need to keep pushing.”
Shared Goals and Rivalry
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb echoed Close’s sentiments, highlighting the growing significance of women’s basketball in Los Angeles. “We know we’ve got two good basketball teams,” she noted. “We know we have star power, really excellent players and humans that draw a crowd.” Despite the loss, Gottlieb remains optimistic about her team’s potential, emphasizing their commitment to improving and competing at a high level.
Both coaches share a common goal: to elevate women’s basketball in Los Angeles. “One thing that we really share is that we want to grow the game in L.A., together,” Close stated. This collaborative spirit is crucial in a competitive environment, where both teams have enjoyed recent success, including USC’s Big Ten regular season title last year and UCLA’s strong performance in the NCAA tournament.
The rivalry between the Trojans and Bruins is marked not only by intense competition but also by personal connections among the players and coaches. This season, USC is navigating challenges, including the absence of standout player JuJu Watkins and a roster with only three returning players from the previous year. The narrative of former Bruin Londynn Jones, now with USC, adds another layer to the storied rivalry.
Star Power and Community Support
The atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion was electric, with notable figures in attendance, including basketball legends Reggie and Cheryl Miller, as well as U.S. soccer icon Abby Wambach. The presence of such high-profile supporters underscores the growing visibility and appreciation for women’s sports.
Players like UCLA’s Kiki Rice recognized the significance of community support, stating, “It really means a lot for women’s basketball… It’s such a great product, and we have so many fantastic players and storylines.” The enthusiasm from fans contributes to the excitement on the court, making for memorable experiences.
As the season progresses, both teams aim to build on their successes and challenges. The commitment from coaches and players to enhance the profile of women’s basketball in Los Angeles is evident. With their eyes set on future victories and increased visibility, UCLA and USC are poised to make significant strides in the world of college basketball.
In conclusion, the January 3 matchup not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also showcased the broader movement to elevate women’s sports. As Close aptly noted, while progress has been made, “there’s still more we can do.” The journey ahead promises to be as thrilling as the rivalry itself.
