Why Cori Close Has the Most At Stake With UCLA This Season

This season may be one of the most important in Close's tenure in Westwood.

Apr 3, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Cori Close speaks after receiving the AP Coach of the Year trophy during press conference at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The No. 3 UCLA Bruins women's basketball team is ready for a quest to the national championship by starting the 2025-26 season in Anaheim against the San Diego State Aztecs on Monday.

Cori Close and her retooled and revamped squad are on of the top projected teams in the nation on the heels of a Final Four run cut short to the eventual champion UConn Huskies. The Bruins' nonconference slate is among the most difficult in the nation, with matchups against multiple ranked teams.

Although the Bruins are outright favorites to win the Big Ten and reach the Final Four once again, many believe that this is one of the most important seasons of Close's career in Westwood.

ESPN's Kendra Andrews in the outlet's complete preview of the women's college basketball season deemed Close as the coach with the most at stake this year, and her explanation was rather reasonable.

Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close reacts during first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

"While the Bruins had a ton of roster turnover, Close enters the season with seven seniors, two juniors and a good freshman class," Andrews wrote. "After UCLA made the Final Four last season for the first time in the NCAA era (since 1982), Close has a real shot of winning a national championship with such an experienced team. There will be a ton of rebuilding after this season; Close should take advantage of the group she has now."

It truly may be win or bust this season, as seniors like stars Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice will be entering their final season at UCLA. Close must orchestrate the best season possible while her roster is still among the best in the nation.

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How to Watch: UCLA WBB Opens Season vs. SDSU

But first, a Honda Center matchup with SDSU. Here's how you can watch the third-ranked Bruins begin their season.

Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Gabriela Jaquez (11), forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) react on the bench during the fourth quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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How to Watch

What: UCLA Bruins vs. San Diego State Aztecs
When: Monday, Nov. 3
Time: 7:00 p.m. (PT)
Where: Honda Center (Anaheim, California)
TV: B1G+
Announcers: Chloe Marotta, Jay Wilson
Radio: UCLA Digital Radio, Sirius XM Ch. 391

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UCLA History vs. San Diego State

Monday's matchup will be the 32nd all-time meeting between the two Southern California teams. UCLA has won the last six games, but they haven't played in over a decade, the last game being a 56-55 Bruins win on Dec. 15, 2013, in San Diego.

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