UCLA Faces Wisconsin in First-Ever Matchup on February 26

Madison, Wis. — No. 2 UCLA (26-1) will face off against Wisconsin (13-14) in their first-ever meeting on February 26, 2025, at the Kohl Center. This matchup comes as both teams head into the final stretch of the regular season, aiming for strong finishes before postseason play begins.

The Bruins enter the game looking to regain momentum after a tough loss on February 13. They will also be looking to wrap up their road games successfully before a rematch against crosstown rival USC. UCLA, currently ranked second in the nation and second in the Big Ten standings, is eager to seal their regular season with confidence.

Wisconsin, on the other hand, is also looking to conclude their regular season on a positive note. The Badgers are positioned 14th in the Big Ten standings with a 4-12 record in conference play. They recently secured back-to-back wins against Penn State and Northwestern, showcasing improved performance.

In their last game, Wisconsin defeated Northwestern 73-68, led by Carter McCray‘s season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds. According to Coach Marisa Moseley, McCray’s performance has been instrumental in bolstering the team’s morale. “Carter stepped up big for us, and we need that energy as we head into these crucial games,” said Moseley.

UCLA’s last outing ended victoriously against Iowa, where they rallied back from a 12-point deficit thanks to Lauren Betts, who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Kiki Rice also contributed significantly with 12 points. UCLA is ranked fourth in the NCAA for rebounds per game at 44.2 and has a rebounding margin of +14.0, led by four players surpassing 100 rebounds this season.

The Bruins boast impressive statistics, including eight victories against ranked teams, proving their capability against formidable opponents. “The key for us is to stay focused and execute our game plan,” said UCLA Coach Cori Close. “Every game is critical as we prepare for the postseason.”

For Wisconsin, Serah Williams will be a major player to watch, averaging 19.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. As the Badgers gear up to take on UCLA and Iowa, this contest will be essential for determining their postseason positioning.

On the same night, other college basketball matchups include St. Bonaventure facing Saint Joseph’s at 6:30 p.m. and DePaul battling Creighton at 9 p.m., all available for streaming on Peacock. To watch the game, fans need to subscribe to Peacock and can access it via PeacockTV.com/Sports or through the Peacock app on their devices.

For students, Peacock is offering a special discount of $1.99 per month for the first 12 months, making it an accessible option to catch college basketball throughout the season.