The schedule for the forthcoming 2024-2025 season for the UCLA women’s basketball team has been unveiled, as they prepare for their highly anticipated debut in the Big 10 conference. Following their impressive back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Sweet 16 while in the Pac-12, the Bruins are gearing up for an exciting new chapter in their journey.
The upcoming season will witness the Bruins playing host to formidable opponents such as Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State and Penn State at the iconic Pauley Pavilion. Interestingly, these same rivals will also be paying visits to crosstown rivals USC, making for an intriguing two-game road trip for each of these schools to Los Angeles.
On the other hand, UCLA will hit the road to face off against Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Oregon, Purdue, Rutgers, Washington and Wisconsin. Notably, the match against Wisconsin will mark the first ever encounter between the two teams. While they have crossed paths with Oregon and Washington in their previous Pac-12 games, facing them as part of the Big 10 schedule adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming season.
In addition to their conference matchups, fans can also look forward to the clashes against archrivals USC, which are sure to be some of the most highly anticipated games of the season. With both teams making impressive appearances in the NCAA Sweet 16 last year, these games are bound to be filled with intensity and excitement. Despite the transition to a new conference, USC remains a formidable opponent and a strong contender for the conference title, especially after their remarkable performance in the Pac-12 Tournament and Elite Eight appearance last season.
As the Bruins prepare for their Big 10 debut, they will be relying on the exceptional talents of Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, both of whom earned spots in the All-Pac-12 Team last year. However, the team will be missing the presence of Charisma Osborn, who has ventured into the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury. Nonetheless, the Bruins remain optimistic and determined as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities that await them in the forthcoming season.
The announcement of the Big 10 schedule has undoubtedly sparked excitement and anticipation among the Bruins and their devoted fanbase. With a dynamic lineup of matchups and the promise of thrilling basketball action, the forthcoming season is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in the history of UCLA women’s basketball. As the team prepares to embrace this new chapter in their journey, the anticipation and excitement continue to build for what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead.