UCLA Women’s Basketball Dominates Southern in 88-37 Victory

The third-ranked UCLA women’s basketball team showcased their prowess with an emphatic 88-37 victory over Southern on November 23, 2025, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. The Bruins, now boasting a record of 6-0, were relentless in their approach, leading by as much as 40 points at halftime. This commanding performance sets a strong precedent as they prepare for upcoming challenges against ranked opponents No. 4 Texas and No. 15 Tennessee.

Cori Close, in her 15th season as head coach, emphasized the need for her team to remain focused and avoid complacency. The game against Southern was seen as a crucial opportunity to build momentum before facing tougher competition. “Other people are focusing to beat us,” Close stated, underscoring her team’s commitment to self-improvement. This philosophy was evident in the Bruins’ execution on the court.

UCLA overwhelmed Southern, who struggled to find their rhythm. The Jaguars failed to score for the final 13 minutes and 12 seconds of the first half, ending the second quarter without a point. In contrast, UCLA capitalized on their opportunities, embarking on a 38-point unanswered run that extended into the third quarter. This marked the first time since December 5, 2021, that the Bruins held an opponent scoreless in a quarter.

The statistics further illustrate UCLA’s dominance. The Bruins out-rebounded Southern 50-20 and forced 13 turnovers, achieving seven steals and four blocks. Southern’s shooting was limited to just 28.6%, a testament to UCLA’s defensive pressure. Despite some key players scoring in single digits, the depth of the UCLA roster proved decisive, with multiple contributors stepping up.

Angela Dugalić delivered a standout performance, contributing 19 points and demonstrating her ability to impose her will against opponents. Freshman forward Lena Bilić also shone, scoring 14 points and securing six rebounds, far exceeding her previous best of four points. This depth in talent aligns with Close’s vision for the season, as she aims for her team to evolve beyond previous achievements and contend for the national championship.

Looking ahead, the Bruins are set to face stiff competition in their next two games. The upcoming matchups against Texas and Tennessee will serve as significant tests, requiring the Bruins to maintain their high level of play. As Close noted during her halftime interview, the focus remains on continuous improvement and becoming the best version of themselves.

UCLA’s victory over Southern not only reflects their current form but also reinforces their status as a formidable force in women’s college basketball. With the season still in its early stages, the Bruins are poised to make a significant impact as they aim for a deeper run in the NCAA tournament this year.