UCLA’s offense is very good, but their defense is even better. They showed that once again in their win against Michigan State. Holding the No. 12 team in the nation to 63 points on only 31% shooting and playing great team defense. They suffocate teams on the perimeter and then collapse on the paint. Often out scoring teams by 20 and 30 points in the paint such as the Michigan State game, which was 56 to 22 in paint points. In favor of the Bruins. It is truly fascinating to watch on a nightly basis how good they are.
A nation-leading 🔟 ranked wins 🙂↕️
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) February 13, 2026
(by an average +19.6 margin of victory, after last night’s win!)#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/pr5tJ3hME0
Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice play excellent up front. Then Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker are great on the wings and pushing opponents out. If anyone tries to go down the paint, the Bruins possess one of the best shot blockers and defenders in the nation. Lauren Betts is back to her old self and making a run again at possibly being the top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. As she can anchor an offense and defense and that is truly rare to find in a player.
What is most impressive about the Bruins defense is their ability to take out teams' best players. They often key in on shutting down a number one scorer and forcing other players to beat them. More often than not that strategy has worked because right now they’re 24-1 on the season. Easily being the top team in the nation outside of UCONN. Just take the last two games for a sample size. Grace VanSlooten of Michigan State averages 15.2 points per game, UCLA held her to 3-12 shooting for eight points. They also held dynamic scorer Olivia Olson at Michigan to 8-21 shooting in that win.
Snatch that, Sienna! 🙅♀️
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) February 12, 2026
📺: Peacock#GoBruins | @SiennaBetts pic.twitter.com/su50B4Dpw6
The Bruins will not beat every team by 20 and 30 points come March. Although they have done it for most of the season against some good teams. As each round goes by, it will get tougher and tougher. Their defense will be relied on heavily to beat some of these teams. They seem up for the challenge, and this is the dust defense we have ever seen from a UCLA team. This is the season to win it all and they have all the tools to do it.