Gophers Women’s Basketball Team Faces Tough Challenge Against No. 3 UCLA
Winners of seven of its last eight games, including a one-point win over then-No. 21 USC on Sunday, the Gopher women’s basketball team faced its toughest challenge yet Wednesday night. The team’s recent success had been impressive, but a matchup against the third-ranked UCLA Bruins was always going to be a difficult test.
Chalk it up as another learning experience. The Gophers ultimately fell to the Bruins 76-58, but the game provided valuable insight into the team’s strengths and weaknesses. Minnesota got 16 points from Amaya Battle and 15 from Mara Braun, but struggled with consistency throughout the game.
Gophers guard Brylee Glenn battles with a UCLA defender during Minnesota’s loss to the third-ranked Bruins at Williams Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Brad Rempel / Gophers Athletics)
Offensive Struggles
Offensively, Minnesota went more than seven minutes without scoring in the opening quarter and missed seven of its first nine third-quarter shots. The Gophers scored zero fast-break points and did not attempt a free throw until the fourth quarter. These struggles were a major factor in the team’s loss, as they were unable to maintain a consistent scoring pace throughout the game.
On the bright side, the shooting percentage each quarter increased from 28.6% in the opening frame, peaking at 50% over the final 10 minutes. This suggests that the team was able to adjust and improve its shooting as the game progressed.
Coach’s Perspective
“We played with a great deal of intensity. I thought our effort was outstanding, but our execution wasn’t as good as it needed to be,” said coach Dawn Plitzuweit, who half-heartedly joked about setting a record for shots rimming out. “… (But) having Amaya and Mara step up and carry more of the scoring load is something that was important for us to see.”
UCLA was the latest top conference opponent the Gophers can use to measure where they are at. With eight Big 10 teams ranked in this week’s AP Top 25 — six in the top 15 — and Minnesota, Washington, USC, and Oregon receiving votes, the Gophers (12-5, 3-3 Big Ten) are 1-3 against ranked conference foes, but could easily be 3-1.
Player Insights
“We need to learn from every game, whether it’s a win or loss,” Braun said. This mindset is crucial for the team’s development and will be essential in upcoming games.
“You could play the best team in the conference one day or the worst team in the conference and you’re still going to have a game. Just understanding that you have to come with the same mindset every game, like nobody’s a pushover,” Battle said. “At the end of the season, when you’re in postseason play you already have that toughness, that consistency.”
Kiki Rice tied a career-high with 25 points to lead UCLA and 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but the Bruins scored 11 points below their season average.
Looking Ahead
Winners of 10 straight, the Bruins shot 60% from the field and made 17 of 19 free throws, numbers the Gophers don’t want to see by an opponent. But they’ll take the 17 turnovers forced, including nine steals, that prevented this from being a blowout.
“The way they are connected, the toughness they play defense with is very impressive,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. “They gave us everything we could handle.”
Up next for Minnesota is a trip to the Pacific Northwest to play Washington on Sunday and Oregon on Wednesday.
“You have put all the pieces together. Are we capable of doing that?” Plitzuweit asked. “We have to be in order to be one of those (top) teams. That’s another step we have to take.”
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