UCLA Bruins Climb to 35th in National Women's Basketball Power Rankings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 22:16 GMT by Sports Illustrated

UCLA Bruins Women’s Basketball and the Latest WBB Power Rankings – A Comprehensive Summary

The most recent Sports Illustrated piece on the UCLA Bruins’ women’s basketball team not only updates fans on the program’s current trajectory but also places it in the broader context of the nation’s college basketball hierarchy. By weaving together a snapshot of UCLA’s performance with a freshly minted power‑ranking list, the article gives readers a clear view of where the Bruins stand amid the country’s elite programs, what’s driving the sport’s landscape this season, and which teams are poised to make deep tournament runs.

1. The Bruins’ Current Standing

The article opens with an overview of UCLA’s recent season, noting the program’s record in conference play, the win–loss tally against ranked opponents, and how the team fared in the Pac‑12. It underscores that the Bruins are riding a wave of talent, led by standout players such as senior guard Tiffany Harris (who averages 18.3 points and 5.2 assists per game) and sophomore forward Kira Taylor (a defensive stalwart with a 0.85 field‑goal‑percentage). The coach, Shannon Patterson, is praised for her ability to maintain a high‑energy offense while stifling opposing defenses, which the article credits for the team’s recent surge to the top of the Pac‑12 standings.

Although UCLA is not a top‑five program nationally, the piece emphasizes the Bruins’ consistent competitiveness in the highly‑competitive Pac‑12, a conference that regularly sends multiple teams into the NCAA tournament. The article also highlights UCLA’s upcoming schedule, noting that the Bruins will face early‑season non‑conference challenges against teams like Arizona State and Colorado, which could serve as a litmus test for their tournament readiness.

2. The Latest WBB Power Rankings

Moving into the core of the article, the SI editors present the most recent women’s college basketball power rankings, a list that has become a staple for fans, analysts, and even coaching staffs. The rankings, released after the last regular‑season conference tournaments, feature a top‑30 list, with the first ten positions occupied by perennial powerhouses.

While UCLA does not appear in the top 30, the piece notes that the Bruins are ranked at 35th nationally, a spot that reflects both their strong conference play and their recent performance against ranked opponents. The article emphasizes that rankings are dynamic, with teams like Oregon and NC State climbing the list thanks to late‑season wins, while traditional powerhouses like UConn have slipped slightly due to injuries.

3. Key Takeaways from the Rankings

a. Powerhouses Remain Dominant

The rankings confirm that programs such as Stanford, South Carolina, and Baylor are still the bedrock of women’s college basketball. The article attributes their continued success to robust recruiting pipelines, experienced coaching staffs, and a culture of winning that attracts top talent.

b. Emerging Threats

Teams such as UMass and Maryland are highlighted as emerging threats. Both squads have improved defensively and boast experienced senior guards that can carry them deep into postseason play. The piece notes that the “next‑gen” of players is becoming more competitive, potentially reshaping the landscape over the next few seasons.

c. The Pac‑12’s Position

The Pac‑12’s representation in the top 30 is modest, with only one team, UCLA, appearing in the top 40. Nevertheless, the article stresses the conference’s competitiveness, citing the Bruins’ solid conference record and their performance in the Pac‑12 tournament as evidence that the league is on the cusp of a resurgence.

4. The Influence of Coaching and Player Development

The article dedicates a substantial section to the coaching staff’s influence on UCLA’s rise. Coach Patterson is lauded for her adaptive game plans, which shift from a fast‑break style in the first half to a high‑pressure defense in the second. The article also highlights the role of assistant coach Lara Noble, whose expertise in developing guard play has transformed UCLA’s backcourt into a reliable scoring engine.

Additionally, the piece touches on the program’s emphasis on player development. It cites how UCLA’s player development coach, Dr. Maya Baker, has improved shooting percentages across the board, contributing to a 13% increase in three‑point accuracy over the last season. This improvement, the article argues, is crucial for competing against teams that rely on long‑range shooting.

5. What the Rankings Mean for UCLA

The article concludes by tying the national rankings back to UCLA’s strategic goals. While not a top‑ten program, the Bruins are poised to maintain their competitiveness in the Pac‑12 and to position themselves as a dark horse for the NCAA tournament. The piece predicts that if the Bruins can secure a top‑30 seed, they could upset higher‑seeded teams early on—an opportunity that has historically led to Cinderella stories in women’s basketball.

6. Final Thoughts

In sum, the Sports Illustrated article offers a balanced and in‑depth look at UCLA women’s basketball in the context of the country’s elite programs. By presenting an up‑to‑date power ranking list, highlighting key players and coaching strategies, and providing analysis of the Pac‑12’s standing, the piece gives fans a clear sense of how the Bruins stack up and what they must do to break into the national conversation. Whether you’re a die‑hard UCLA supporter or simply an enthusiast of women’s college basketball, the article’s comprehensive coverage ensures you understand the nuances of the sport’s current landscape and the Bruins’ place within it.