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The undefeated UCLA Bruins take on their toughest Big Ten opponent yet in the Maryland Terrapins. Can the Bruins remain the nation’s only undefeated team?
So far, no team in women’s college basketball has been as impressive as the No. 1 UCLA Bruins. They not only are undefeated, but also have beaten the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks, ending their 43-game win streak.
On Sunday, UCLA will have their first true test in Big Ten action, playing against No. 8 Maryland on the road. The matchup will begin at 2 p.m. ET and can be viewed on NBC/Peacock.
How UCLA can remain undefeated
For the Bruins, everything starts and ends with Lauren Betts. She is the epicenter of it all, and getting her involved offensively will be key for UCLA. With Maryland not known for having an elite frontcourt, this is a recipe for success for the Bruins.
“I believe that she’s the number 1 center in the country by far.” ️ ️ ️ @UCLAWBB Coach Cori Close letting people know about Lauren Betts.Betts vs Rutgers: 25 points, 13 boards & 5 blocks. She’s averaging 20pts, 10reb, 3blk per game. Dominant. #NCAAwbb #gobruins pic.twitter.com/oeswIDtCNl
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) January 24, 2025
Barring some unforeseen circumstances, you can pencil in Betts for 25 points and 12 rebounds in this contest. If that happens and the backcourt of Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez stay aggressive offensively, that should lead to a comfortable win.
It’s been several weeks since UCLA has been truly tested, and one thing to watch for is how they react if they end up in a close game late. Ideally, they keep the Terrapins at bay, but will they start to tighten up if Maryland flirts with an upset late? The pressure is now on UCLA, given that they are the team to beat in the nation.
How Maryland can shock the basketball world
It’s an uphill battle to beat the Bruins, but the Terrapins have a path to success. If their backcourt can get going early, they are capable of overwhelming UCLA with their offense. Kaylene Smikle is leading the team in scoring, averaging 17.8 points per game, and Shyanne Sellers is averaging 14.2 points while shooting 44.8 percent from 3-point range.
The biggest question mark is whether Sellers will play. She has a knee injury and missed Maryland’s last game against Ohio State. If she can go, the Terrapins will have a much better chance of pulling off the upset.
Kaylene Smikle put up 26 points tonight for @TerpsWBB #B1GWBBall pic.twitter.com/TVOUyDvx26
— Big Ten Women’s Basketball (@B1Gwbball) January 6, 2025
Defensively, containing Betts will also be key. You can’t stop her, but by denying entry passes to her and then putting two bodies on her whenever a shot goes up in the air, Maryland can give themselves a chance to beat UCLA.
Game information
No. 1 UCLA Bruins (19-0, 7-0) vs. No. 8 Maryland Terrapins (16-3, 6-2)
When: Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. ET
Where: XFINITY Center in College Park, MD
How to watch: NBC/Peacock
