Game Preview: Maryland Women’s Basketball Faces No. 3 UCLA

The No. 12 Maryland Terrapins women’s basketball team had a tough night on Thursday at USC, but they managed to pull off a close 62-55 victory. Now, the focus shifts to their next challenge: facing the No. 3 UCLA Bruins. This matchup promises to be a significant test for the Terps, as the Bruins are currently riding a 10-game winning streak and have yet to lose a home game this season.

UCLA is considered one of the top teams in the country, with an offense that averages 86.4 points per game and a defense that only allows 56.7 points per contest. The Terps’ own offensive firepower, averaging 85.7 points per game, could potentially match up well against the Bruins, but it will take a strong performance from both ends of the court to come out on top.

Key Details About the Game

When: Sunday, January 17th

Where: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, California

Tipoff: 4 p.m. ET

How to Watch: NBC

According to ESPN Analytics, the Bruins are heavily favored to win the game, with an 85.4% chance of victory.

UCLA’s Strengths

The Bruins have a dominant roster, led by standout player Lauren Betts, who averages 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. She is also the team’s leading rebounder, pulling down 5.3 defensive and 3.3 offensive boards per game. Another key player is Charlisse Leger-Walker, who dishes out 6.1 assists per game.

In terms of team stats, UCLA shoots 51.1% from the field (ranking fifth nationally) and hits 37.5% of their three-pointers (14th nationally). Their rebound margin is +15.6, which ranks second in the nation. These numbers highlight why the Bruins are such a formidable opponent.

Players to Watch

Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA Guard):

Kneepkens is a versatile guard who averages 13.8 points per game. Her shooting splits this season are impressive—50/40/90—which means she can shoot from anywhere on the court. She poses a threat from beyond the arc and can create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.

Yarden Garzon (Maryland Guard):

Garzon has been a consistent scorer for the Terps, known for her ability to hit shots from deep and distribute the ball effectively. She is also active on defense, making her a valuable asset to the team.

Historical Context

The two teams have met four times in program history, with the series tied at 2-2. However, the Bruins have won the last two matchups, including a game in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. This history adds extra significance to the upcoming game.

Final Thoughts

This game will be a crucial test for Brenda Frese and her young squad. Despite dealing with four key injuries this season, the Terps have managed to stay competitive, with only two losses on their record. Experience will be key in this matchup, particularly from players like Oluchi Okananwa, who averages 16.8 points per game, and Saylor Poffenbarger.

Maryland must find a way to pressure UCLA early, forcing their shooters to take difficult shots and limiting Lauren Betts’ impact on the glass. If the Terps can execute their game plan, they may have a shot at pulling off an upset.

Additional Coverage

For more updates on the Maryland women’s basketball team, check out these related stories:

• Maryland Men’s Basketball Vs. Penn State Preview
• Eight Maryland Lacrosse Games to be Broadcast on Big Ten Network in 2026
• Trequan Jones De-Commits From Maryland Despite Being Optimistic About Terp Plans
• Maryland Women’s Basketball Barely Snatches A 62-55 Win From USC

Stay up to date with all the latest news on the Terrapins by bookmarking Maryland On SI.