Yahoo! Sports: How UCLA Became a Title Favorite: Cori Close on Betts, Big Ten Travel & More! Feb 13, 2026

Feb 13, 2026

UCLA is rolling — but Cori Close isn’t letting her team look ahead.

Hoops 360 sits down with the Bruins head coach to unpack what fuels the No. 2 team in the country. Close also dives into Lauren Betts’ evolution, the tough lessons from UCLA’s lone loss to Texas, and how Big Ten travel forces a whole new level of planning — from recovery to academics. Plus: what’s next for women’s basketball and her thoughts on the changing landscape (NIL, the portal, and protecting the game’s momentum).

00:00 Intro: Cori Close Joins Hoops 360 01:12 Final Four Lessons 06:35 The “Mind Gym” Daily Routine 10:59 Lauren Betts’ Growth: Efficiency + Playmaking 14:06 What Texas & Michigan Exposed 22:15 What Women’s Hoops Needs Next

Big Ten Network: The Betts Sisters | UCLA Women's Basketball | On The Court

Sisters Lauren and Sienna Betts grew up playing together and now share the court with UCLA Women's basketball. While united by their competitive drive and love of basketball, the two sisters are forging their own individual identities and writing their own legacies with the Bruins.

Big Ten Network: Spotlighting Donovan Dent | UCLA Basketball | The Journey

 "You dream of being able to put your dream school's jersey on." UCLA Basketball's Donovan Dent developed into a star at New Mexico, but he couldn't pass up the opportunity to return home. The Journey profiles the Riverside native.

UCLA Women's Basketball Team "Queen of the Court" 1-on-1 Tournament on YouTube from LeBron James' Uninterrupted Franchise

Here we go! Here we go! 

Episode 9

Championship Game 

Lauren vs. Gabs

To watch all the earlier games leading to this championship game, go to: 

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Description

The UCLA Women's Basketball team compete in a 1-on-1 bracket style tournament for $25,000 and the title of Queen of the Court. Hosted by Charlisse Leger-Walker.
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Tyus tweets after Donovan's 4.9 sec dash to beat Illinois

Link to Tyus' tweet on X

Kris Johnson mingles with UCLA Bruin greats at the Indiana game