Go Joe Bruin
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UCLA holds on for thrilling win late after Michigan gets last gasp for a tie

UCLA was up nine with 23 seconds left and Michigan gets a late look to tie it
ByJustin Hickey|
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Feb 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close in the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close in the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

UCLA moved to 23-1 on the season with a Sunday afternoon win over Michigan. They narrowly escaped the Wolverines in a tremendous top 10 matchup. Moving the Bruins to 13-0 in league play and on the fast track to winning the Big Ten regular season title. The Bruins were paced by a dominant game from Lauren Betts. As she had 16 points and 16 rebounds to go along with five assists and three blocks. Showing that she is still elite on both ends and continuing her improved play. This win was huge for UCLA and a matchup that was highlighted all week for the No. 2 team in the nation.

Michigan who came in at No. 8 figured to keep the game close and the 7.5-point line seemed to be very high. They were 20-3 on the season and have played great basketball themselves. But the Bruins defense continued to play excellent and held them to 37% shooting on the day. Including 5-21 from 3-point range. UCLA did an excellent job on Olivia Olson, as she had 20 points but did so on 21 shots. The team defense has been one of the best in the nation this season.

UCLA was up 69-60 with 23 seconds left and Michigan still has chance at a 3-pointer to tie

Kiki Rice led the way with 20 points for the Bruins. Who dwindled their rotation down to seven players for this game. Something that will be similar come the NCAA tournament as they figure to go with a smaller group. The only two to come off the bench Angela Dugalić and Sienna Betts. UCLA shot 47% on the day but were only 3-13 from 3-point range. Plain and simple this game was won on the defensive end. Sometimes that is what it takes. You can tell UCLA needs to work on late game situations as a 69-60 lead turned into 69-66 all in 15 seconds and Michigan had a chance to tie after two missed free throws.

UCLA won a big stat as well with points in the paint as it was 46 to 32. With full control of the Big Ten regular season standings now. UCLA will get another big-time matchup as they stay in the state of Michigan. At 23-1 they will now play No. 12 Michigan State. As that could wrap up their ranked matchups this year with Washington right on the brink of being in the top 25.

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