Unbeaten UCLA NCAA Streak: Are the Bruins the Best Team in the Nation?
Something special is happening in Westwood. The UCLA NCAA women’s basketball team is on fire, and for the first time in program history, they are a perfect 20-0. They’ve steamrolled opponents, taken down powerhouses, and now they sit at No. 1 in the country—the last unbeaten team in all of Division I basketball, men’s or women’s.
But here’s the big question: Can they finally make it to the Final Four?
For all the success UCLA has had over the years, one thing has always eluded them—the Final Four. Not once have they made it that far in the NCAA Tournament since the women’s tournament began in 1982. They’ve been close, they’ve been talented, but they’ve never broken through.
This team, though? This team feels different.
Dominating in Every Way Possible
UCLA’s dominance this season isn’t just about the fact that they’re winning—it’s how they’re winning. They’ve won 19 straight games by double digits. No other team in program history has done that.
Their defense is suffocating, holding teams to just 33.5% shooting (third in the nation). Their offense is clicking, shooting nearly 50% from the field (fifth-best in the country). And when it comes to rebounding? Forget about it. They are outrebounding teams by over 16 per game, leading the nation in that category.
They’ve beaten great teams. They went to Paris to open the season and handled Louisville. They took down Baylor. They handed South Carolina—one of the toughest teams in the country—their only loss of the season.
It’s not a fluke. This is real.
Lauren Betts: UCLA’s Superstar
Let’s talk about Lauren Betts, because she’s been nothing short of spectacular. The 6’7″ junior center is playing the best basketball of her career and is in the conversation for National Player of the Year.
Her numbers? Insane.
- 21.0 points per game
- 9.9 rebounds per game
- 3.0 blocks per game
- 72% shooting over the last four games
And she’s not just stuffing the stat sheet—she’s putting on dominant performances when it matters most.
In UCLA’s 82-67 win over Maryland, Betts had 33 points on 14-of-15 shooting, plus 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. Over the last four games, she’s totaled 104 points and 25 blocks, something no Division I women’s player has done in the last 25 years.
She’s unstoppable in the paint, and UCLA is feeding her the ball every chance they get.
But It’s Not Just Betts
As dominant as Betts has been, UCLA isn’t a one-woman show. They’ve got depth, and that’s what makes them so dangerous.
- Kiki Rice (13.1 PPG) is the motor of this team, a steady presence who can run the offense and score when needed.
- Gabriela Jaquez (10.2 PPG) is another consistent scorer who brings toughness and energy.
- Five other players average between 6-9 points per game, meaning even when teams try to lock down Betts, someone else steps up.
That’s the thing about this UCLA team: they have options. If you stop one player, another one will find a way to beat you.
What’s Next?
After a brutal travel schedule that had them playing three of their last four games on the East Coast, UCLA finally gets a break. They’ll play five straight games in Pacific Time, including four at home.
And they’ll have some extra time to rest. They’ve only got one game in the next nine days—a matchup against Minnesota on February 2.
For a team that’s been grinding all season, this is the perfect chance to fine-tune things before heading into the toughest part of the season.
Source: NCAA women’s basketball Power Rankings: Could UCLA make the Final Four?
Who’s Chasing UCLA?
While UCLA sits at No. 1, they’ve got plenty of teams trying to take their spot.
2. South Carolina (20-1)
If there’s one team that can challenge UCLA, it’s South Carolina. They’ve already beaten five ranked teams in a row, including LSU and Tennessee, and they don’t seem to be slowing down.
Joyce Edwards is emerging as a go-to scorer, and their defense is just as dominant as UCLA’s. They’ll take on Auburn on February 2 in their next game.
3. Notre Dame (17-2)
Notre Dame has been crushing ACC competition, thanks to superstar guard Hannah Hidalgo. She dropped 23 points against Boston College, and with two tough road games coming up against Virginia Tech (Jan. 30) and Louisville (Feb. 2), we’ll see if they can keep up their momentum.
4. USC (18-1)
UCLA’s crosstown rival is also having an incredible season. They absolutely obliterated Purdue 79-37, and now they have a massive game coming up against Iowa on February 2.
That game will feature two of the best scorers in the country: JuJu Watkins (USC) vs. Caitlin Clark (Iowa).
5. LSU (21-1)
LSU just took their first loss of the season, falling to South Carolina. But they rebounded with a win over Texas A&M, thanks to Flau’Jae Johnson’s 22 points.
They’ll face Oklahoma on January 30 in another big test.

The Biggest Movers in the Rankings
📈 Teams on the Rise
- Ohio State (#8) – After a rough loss to Penn State, they bounced back with two big wins.
- Duke (#9) – Jumped five spots after winning seven of their last eight games.
- NC State (#15) & Michigan State (#16) – Both return to the rankings after solid weeks.
📉 Teams Falling
- Kansas State (#12) – Losing star center Ayoka Lee to a foot injury hurt them badly.
- TCU (#10) – Took a bad loss to Oklahoma State but rebounded with a historic win over Baylor.
- Maryland (#14) – Their injury struggles continue to hold them back.
Will UCLA Finally Break Through?
This UCLA team has everything—a dominant star in Lauren Betts, a deep supporting cast, an elite defense, and the confidence of a team that knows they belong at the top.
But the real test is still ahead.
The NCAA Tournament is a different beast. UCLA has been in this position before—high rankings, high expectations—and fallen short.
So the question remains: Is this finally the year?
We’ll find out in March.
For now, though? UCLA is the team to beat.