Three Things To Know Before UCLA Takes On Penn State

UCLA women's basketball is about to face Penn State, and there are some things to look out for in the conference matchup.

Dec 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalic (32) talks with head coach Cori Close during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

UCLA just came out on top against the ranked Ohio State women's basketball team to make their record 12-1, and their next game is right around the corner.

Instead of facing a ranked in conference opponent like the Buckeyes, the Bruins are slated to face off against Penn State, a team that has generally been weak but still holds some surprises.

So here are three things to know about the Nittany Lions before UCLA plays against them in their continued conference play.

Three Things To Know: Penn State Has Struggled Against Ranked Teams

Jan 15, 2025; Long Beach, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) waves to the crowd after a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Walter Pyramid at Long Beach State. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

• Penn State has played against ranked teams four times this year and lost every game, most of the time by a vast margin.

• Their biggest loss came against the number three ranked South Carolina, who dominated the Nittany Lions by 40 points winning 95-55.

Jan 15, 2025; Long Beach, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) dribbles against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at the Walter Pyramid at Long Beach State. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

• Their closest matchup against a ranked team came against Princeton, in which Penn State lost 100-93 to the #25 ranked Tigers.

• Having no wins against ranked teams means that the Bruins should have a very winnable game, but it also means that they cannot let their guard down, as that is what allows big upsets to happen.

Three Things To Know: UCLA Dominated In Their Last Game Against Penn State

Dec 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins bench reacts after a basket by guard Megan Grant (not pictured) during the second half against Long Beach State Beach at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

• UCLA has kept their roster pretty similar to last years team, having Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalic, Gabriela Jaquez and more come back to play another season with the team.

• The same is generally true for the Nittany Lions, which means that many of the players who faced off last year will play again this year, and hopefully also means that the Bruins will find the same result as last year's game, winning 83-67.

• With similar rosters and coaching staff, UCLA has the tools needed to pull off another victory, and they can be dominant again just as they were last year.

Three Things To Know: The Deadly Penn State Duo

Dec 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Gabriela Jaquez (11), forward Sienna Betts (16) and center Lauren Betts (51) look on from the bench during the second half against Long Beach State Beach at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

• Every team has a duo that can elevate the team and also bring it down, and that seems to be the case with Penn State's Tea Cleante and Kiyomi McMiller.

• In most cases, when Cleante and McMiller succeed, the Nittany Lions can have a fighting chance against stronger teams.

Dec 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Sienna Betts (16) and center Lauren Betts (51) defend a shot by Long Beach State Beach forward Rosie Akot (2) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

• However, if they have a bad night their team stands little chance to succeed, especially against teams stronger than them like UCLA.

• So locking up Cleante and McMiller will be key to the Bruins victory, and if they can succeed in that a victory can almost be assured.

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