UCLA takes down Greenwave on the diamond

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February 17, 2026

Will Gasparino #9 — UCLA's center fielder Will Gasparino hits his second home run of the game. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News

LOS ANGELES, CA — Top-ranked UCLA shook off an early deficit and pounded out 13 runs to defeat Tulane 13-5 on Tuesday night at Jackie Robinson Stadium, scoring in seven of eight innings to secure a midweek nonconference victory.

The Bruins (No. 1 in the preseason polls) trailed 2-0 before their offense erupted behind key contributions from Roch Cholowsky and Will Gasparino, each of whom homered as UCLA improved its early-season momentum. Tulane, playing a midweek road contest, could not contain the Bruins’ relentless lineup once it found its rhythm.

UCLA responded quickly after falling behind in the opening innings, stringing together timely hits and capitalizing on Tulane pitching miscues. By the middle frames, the Bruins had seized control, plating runs in consecutive innings and steadily building separation.

UCLA’s shortstop Roch Cholowsky’s first of two home runs. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News

“We didn’t panic when we went down early,” UCLA coach John Savage said. “This group understands that it’s nine innings. Once we settled in offensively, we started taking better at-bats and putting pressure on them every inning.”

Cholowsky provided one of the biggest swings of the night, launching a home run that shifted momentum and energized the dugout. Gasparino followed with a homer of his own as part of a multi-run surge that put UCLA firmly in command. The Bruins’ lineup showed depth throughout, consistently moving runners and delivering with two outs.

Tulane struck first with two early runs, taking advantage of a shaky start on the mound by UCLA. But the Bruins bullpen stabilized the game, limiting the Green Wave to five total runs and preventing any sustained rally. After the early damage, UCLA pitchers combined to keep Tulane’s hitters off balance with a mix of off-speed pitches and well-located fastballs.

UCLA’s starting pitcher Angel Cervantes in the windup. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News

“Our bullpen did a great job of locking it down after the first couple innings,” Savage said. “They attacked the zone and let our defense work.”

By the late innings, UCLA’s offense had fully taken over. The Bruins scored in all but one frame, showcasing patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning. Extra-base hits and productive outs allowed them to extend the lead, and they tacked on insurance runs to remove any doubt.

Gasparino finished with multiple RBIs, while Cholowsky’s home run highlighted a balanced offensive attack that featured contributions throughout the lineup. UCLA’s ability to answer Tulane’s early punch underscored why the Bruins entered the season ranked No. 1 nationally.

Tulane catcher Johnny Elliot rounding 3rd base after a home run. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News

Tulane managed five runs but struggled to keep pace once UCLA began scoring in bunches. The Green Wave bullpen was unable to slow the Bruins’ momentum, particularly during the middle innings when UCLA’s lineup turned over and continued to apply pressure.

The win reinforced UCLA’s status as an early-season favorite and demonstrated the team’s depth both at the plate and on the mound. For Tulane, the midweek matchup provided a challenging test against one of the nation’s top programs.

UCLA’s first baseman Mulivai Levu slides into third base. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News

UCLA will continue its homestand later this week, looking to build on a performance that combined offensive firepower with steady relief pitching.

UCLA imposes it’s will on Indiana

By

Jevone Moore

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February 15, 2026

Sienna Betts #16 and Kiki Rice #1 — UCLA's Sienna Betts and Kiki Rice box out. Photo by Jason Purisima

LOS ANGELES, CA — No. 2 UCLA extended its winning streak to 19 games Sunday afternoon, overwhelming Indiana 92-48 behind balanced scoring, relentless rebounding and stifling defense in a Big Ten women’s basketball matchup.

Kiki Rice scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Lauren Betts recorded her 10th double-double of the season with 16 points and 14 rebounds, and the Bruins (25-1, 15-0 Big Ten) remained unbeaten in conference play. UCLA has not lost since a 76-65 defeat to No. 4 Texas on Nov. 26 and owns the nation’s third-longest active win streak.

UCLA’s Kiki Rice in a jump shot. Photo by Jason Purisima

Indiana (14-13, 3-12) shot a season-low 31% from the field and tied its season low for points in a game, struggling to generate consistent offense after losing leading scorer Shay Ciezki to an apparent ankle injury late in the first quarter.

“Our standard is to bring energy on both ends for 40 minutes,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. “When we defend, rebound and share the ball the way we did today, we’re a very difficult team to beat.”

The Bruins set the tone early with their physicality inside and activity on the glass. UCLA outrebounded Indiana 51-24 overall, including a season-high 23 offensive rebounds, and turned those extra opportunities into a 28-2 advantage in second-chance points. The Bruins also forced 13 turnovers while committing just four, converting Indiana’s miscues into 25 points.

Rice controlled the tempo throughout, attacking in transition and finishing through contact. Betts dominated the paint on both ends, securing her 43rd career double-double and anchoring a defense that limited Indiana to 4-of-20 shooting from 3-point range.

UCLA’s Gianna Kneepkens drives to the rim. Photo by Jason Purisima

“We take pride in rebounding and defending without fouling,” Betts said. “When we crash like that and limit teams to one shot, it fuels everything else we want to do offensively.”

UCLA’s depth also proved decisive. Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens scored 12 points each, Gabriela Jaquez added 11, and Sienna Betts and Lena Bilic contributed 10 apiece as the Bruins steadily built their lead. UCLA led by double digits at the end of the first quarter and continued to widen the margin behind a suffocating defensive effort that disrupted Indiana’s rhythm.

Maya Makalusky led the Hoosiers with 13 points. Lenee Beaumont added 11 on 4-of-14 shooting, and Nevaeh Caffey scored 10. But Indiana, which entered the game shooting 47.9% — 14th-best nationally — struggled to find clean looks against UCLA’s length and pressure.

Indiana’s Maya Makalusky. Photo by Jason Purisima

Ciezki, who came in averaging 24.0 points per game to rank fifth nationally and lead the Big Ten, exited after appearing to twist her ankle and did not return. Without her scoring punch, the Hoosiers were unable to keep pace as UCLA turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.

The Bruins’ dominance on the boards and efficiency on offense underscored why they remain firmly in the national championship conversation. With just weeks remaining in the regular season, UCLA continues to separate itself atop the Big Ten standings.

UCLA will host No. 25 Washington on Thursday as it seeks to extend its streak to 20 games. Indiana returns home to face Oregon next Sunday, looking to regroup as the conference schedule winds down.

UCLA’s Angela Dugalic finishes with a finger roll. Photo by Jason Purisima

USC upkeeps win streak at home, debuts statement shoe designed by JuJu and implodes on Indiana

By

Charle' Moore

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February 12, 2026

Los Angeles, CA – USC appeared to figure out by now their early season woes of slow starts and low first quarter scoring, until Indiana showed up at the Galen Center, Thursday night, bringing out remnants of old memories that gradually faded when Freshman standout Jazzy Davidson tuned up her game, finishing with 24 points to lead her team into their fifth straight victory, while kicking down Indiana whom played without their top player and conference leading scorer, 79-73.

“I want to credit Indiana,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “…to come out and play the way they did, Coach Terry’s a great coach. Their kids played their tails off. they obviously, you know, had us on our heels initially, but I’m proud of the way we competed. I’m proud of our fight and …just the growth we see in the team and our confidence to get it done, even if it’s not always the prettiest, is something that we’re proud of and we’ll take, you know, the bye week and get better!”

USC closed the first quarter 24-13, down by 11 after Freshman Jazzy Davidson warmed up eventually from a drive to the basket off a lead pass by Senior Transfer Londynn Jones, whom started the game after coming off the bench early in the season.

“Just look at she makes kind of ridiculous stats look fairly ordinary for her and they’re not ordinary, right? Like the numbers are really showing it, but we’ve seen for a long time that she’s just capable of doing almost anything on a basketball court…and she plays both sides of the ball.” Coach Gottlieb said.

USC countered Indiana’s opening quarter run with their second quarter run, outscoring 22 – 13 and closing the lead into two before halftime, 37- 35 behind Davidson’s 14 first half points.

“I think it’s really just been comfortability for me,” Davidson said about her improved performance. “The support of my teammates and coaches just puts all the confidence in me and I’m just really grateful for that.”

Redshirt freshman Laura Williams got the team fired up and jumping off the bench after a momentum shift three-point play with 33 seconds remaining in the period that gave Women of Troy their first lead of the night at 35-34 sealing a 13-2 run.

“Like Laura’s getting more and more comfortable with what she’s really good at, what she’s supposed to do, right?” Coach Gottlieb said. “She’s a red shirt freshman…these are her first college games of extended minutes, so her growth has been really tremendous. Again, as I think the rest of the team has kind of come together and everyone’s feeling a little more comfortable. It then allows our fives to come in and really do their job.”

USC continued that momentum swing into the third quarter behind Senior Transfer Kara Dunn’s opening quarter three-pointer a play she has done frequent coming out of halftime to retake the lead and onward to take over the game.

Women of Troy scored 22 points again for the third quarter outscoring the Hoosiers by five for a 57-54 advantage.

Women of Troy caused more problems for Lady Hoosiers which had no answers for Davidson, Dunn and Kennedy Smith whom dropped back-to-back buckets in their new silver lining LeBron Next Gen shoes designed by their teammate JuJu Watkins, whose sat out this season after a torn ACL.

“Through the losses, we were able to figure out things within our team, build connections with each other on the floor and off the floor. And I think that’s been like the silver lining through this whole season,” Dunn said about finding silver lining as a team.

“I would add just on the silver lining thing for me,” coach Gottlieb said. “no one would have ever chosen for that kid to get hurt, right? Like but the growth in her speaking about JuJu has been phenomenal. And I do think there will be a time where she looks back and says, “Well, you know, no one wants an injury, but look at how much I’ve grown.” And for our team, right? The way that it’s put us in positions to grow and be about the right things this year…I’m really proud of the fact that as we’re figuring it out, we’re all getting better and growing and it’s cool to be a part of that even though you always choose wins, but if not, like this has been really neat to see it, you know, come together. And we’re not there yet, but that’s a silver lining for sure.”

Indiana found some silver lining as they never gave up and fought to the final buzzer, being led by Freshmen Maya Makalusky’s 29 points despite as a team committing 25 fouls for a league record and 19 turnovers.

Women of Troy shot 28-for-35 from the free throw line, a new season high and matched a season best with 44 second-half points. USC stole back this game, defending their home court like stealing candy from a baby including four steals from Junior Malia Samuels, a career high.

“We hold Malia to a really high standard. Like, we know what she’s capable of. We know who she is as a person. We know who she is as a player… We don’t let her slip and I thought she was on point tonight with distributing the ball, three assists, no turnovers. Like, obviously, she changes the game defensively,” coach Gottlieb said. “She got to the free throw line. I thought all around she just came in and did what we know she’s entirely capable of doing and did at a really high level.”

Davidson got much help from Samuels and her other vets—Dunn added 16 points and Smith 15 points while Williams led with nine boards.

Davidson filled out her stat line after reaching her fourth-straight 20-point performance to go along with six rebounds, three assists, three steals, two blocks and a career-high eight free throws made.

“She’s [ Davidson] unique. I know there’s like several good freshman in the country. We know how good she is. We see it every day. We think there’s no one better and to see now how it’s impacting winning and impacting her teammates and allowing everyone to be at their best,” Coach Gottlieb said. “It’s just she’s a really special player and her ability to impact the game in all ways.”

USC hosts Wisconsin next Thursday at the Galen Center on Thursday, February. 19 at 6 p.m. PT.

Bruins bittersweet beatdown on Scarlet Knights and former associate head coach

By

Charle' Moore

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February 4, 2026

Westwood, CA- No. 2 UCLA ruined Rutgers Associate Head Coach Shannon LeBeauf’s return to Pauley Pavilion on Wednesday against her former team with a 40-point blowout, 86-46 after presenting her with 2025 Final Four rings.

“Shannon, I remember when she called me,” UCLA Head Coach Cori Close said. “I remember the day I remember where I was…I’ve literally known

Shannon since she was in high school and I remember Pam said to me, “Man, if you could get Shannon to come here, like I recruited her when I was assistant here. She went to Iowa. Then Nikki Caldwell Fargas recruited

her. She said no… I said, “Well, funny. You should call.” Just having her come and come alongside and really partner in the mission of this program has been one of my greatest joys…And so it’s our honor to give her the honor back that she gave to us for so long.”

While Scarlet Knights cheered on their current coach during her pre game recognition her former team unleashed a brutal balanced attack with five players scoring double digits led by Senior KiKi Rice’s 17 points and seven rebounds. Senior Gabriela Jacquez added 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Senior Lauren Betts chipped in 11 points off efficient shooting, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field in under 14 minutes. Freshman Sienna Betts also finished with 11 points and four rebounds. Graduate Transfer Charlisse Leger-Walker scored 11 points too along with dishing seven dimes, five steals, and four rebounds.

“Charlisse Leger-Walker, I thought really led the way in terms of building urgency and trying to play to a standard even when the score didn’t reflect that,” coach Close said. “I think our team as a whole, the next piece of discipline that we need to grab is learning how to be more consistent in that venture. We just haven’t proved against teams that are not at our caliber from a talent perspective that we can put 40 minutes of disciplined basketball together and play to our standards on a consistent basis and that’s what we got to grab next.”

UCLA jumped out to 12-3 lead after Rutgers was first to put points on the scoreboard with a three-pointer off the backboard by Faith Blackstone. Rutgers then went cold for their next several shot attempts while UCLA went on their 12-0 run before forcing Rutgers to call a timeout.

The play that led for a pause in the game came courtesy of a highlight hesitation move by Rice in a delayed transition fast break resulting in a nifty layup. Followed by a quick three pointer that led to Rutgers Head Coach, Coquese Washington, unable to watch anymore her team slip into abyss.

“We’ve only had one quarter with our expected lineup healthy and playing, ”Coach Washington said. “What this season is about for Sid to grow through adversity…my guiding principle is Philippians 4:13, I can do all things…”

Talking to her team during the timeout was not enough once they return to the battlefield as the bleeding continued by UCLA’s on-slaughter defense.

Right out of the timeout, the Lady Bruins came up with a defensive stop converted into a deep range triple by freshman Lena Bilić from Leger-Walker’s fancy pass. Once the crowd began their chants, Rutgers responded with a three-pointer to silence the home crowd noise briefly and snap their nearly seven minutes scoring drought – the Scarlet Knights went 1 of 13 ending the first period with UCLA up 26-6.

Scarlet Knights gained some much-needed momentum and was able to swing it to their advantage most of the second quarter, slowing down the Lady Bruins to only score half of what they scored previous period while nearly scoring over double than the first quarter output to go into halftime, 40-19.

“Like our mindset needs to be consistent regardless of who we’re playing,” Rice said. “So whether it’s Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan, USC, like throughout regardless of the team, regardless of the record, we need to come out with the same intensity, treat

each moment the same, and that way we’ll be ready for every single moment. And I think we got to fight for the consistency in that area. That’s still an area we need to grow in, but you

know, we’ll be ready for these games.”

Rutgers demonstrated glimmers of hope on the defensive end, causing UCLA to enter a scoring drought for over three minutes. Still, Jaquez finished the first half with 12 points and three rebounds. Rice added nine points.

Zachara Perkins scored the first points to open the second half for Rutgers. Laure Betts responded and made the first basket for the Bruins drawing the foul for a completed three-point play. UCLA then went on another scoring tangent in their next four possessions to seize a 15-3 run.

Rice and Betts scored seven points apiece leading their team’s third quarter domination quest. Kneepkens and Leger-Walker added five apiece, giving UCLA that consistent balanced offensive attack to comfortably hold a 68-27 lead closing out the quarter.

Bruins opened the fourth with two players, going on solo runs, both Betts and Dugalic scoring back-to-back baskets to extend the Bruins lead. UCLA then took it up another gear, reaching their largest lead of game at 43 points off a Bilić three, her second one for the night, giving UCLA an “edge and lita,” 80-37 beatdown.

“My number one priority was subbing intentionally for their bodies,” coach Close said. “We have a lot of people, our trainer had come to me ahead of time and was like, “Hey, these are where our loads are, this is what you know and our AP team does a great job of keeping me informed and looking at the data and reading the loads and so I just really was trying to protect and balance minutes out.”

UCLA dominated in the paint with 44 points while shooing 56 percent from the field, plus out-rebounding Rutgers more than doubling their 18 with 41, locking up 13 steals and distributing 25 assists despite turning over the ball 13 times where Coach Close had to reiterate on numerous occasions to her team to tidy their offense.

Transfer Lauryn Swann led the Scarlet Knights with 14 points.

UCLA (22-1, 12-0 BIG) will travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan, on February 8th for a major Big 10 top-10 matchup against the No. 8 Michigan Wolverines on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on FOX.

Three straight wins for USC

By

Vaaron Watts

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February 3, 2026

Alijah Arenas drives to the basket. Photo by Dylan Berkman / fi360 News

LOS ANGELES, CA — Alijah Arenas poured in a career-high 29 points, including 19 after halftime, and Southern California used a decisive second-half surge to beat Indiana 81-75 on Tuesday night at the Galen Center, extending the Trojans’ winning streak to three games in Big Ten play.

USC (17-6, 6-6 Big Ten) leaned on Arenas’ shot-making and a dominant performance on the glass to hold off Indiana (15-8, 6-6), which was led by Lamar Wilkerson’s game-high 33 points but struggled to keep pace late. The Trojans outrebounded the Hoosiers 40-25, shot 46.3% from the field and limited Indiana to 28.6% shooting from 3-point range.

Alijah Arenas. Photo by Dylan Berkman / fi360 News

Arenas, a freshman guard, delivered his breakout performance on a big stage, becoming the first Trojan this season to score at least 19 points in a half. He added six rebounds and hit several momentum-shifting baskets down the stretch as USC closed out the win at the free-throw line.

“He can get his own shot whenever he wants,” USC coach Eric Musselman said. “He’s a great find-your-own-shot creator. I hope he can continue to build off of this. Twenty-nine points in your fifth game of college is pretty damn impressive.”

Kam Woods added 18 points and six rebounds, while Ezra Ausar scored 12 points to give USC three players in double figures. The Trojans’ backcourt duo of Arenas and Woods combined for 47 points, with 30 coming in the second half.

Indiana kept the game close behind Wilkerson, who shot 11-for-20 from the field and 5-for-12 from beyond the arc. However, the Hoosiers received limited production elsewhere, shooting just 41.3% overall and falling behind during key stretches when USC’s defense tightened.

USC jumped out to a fast start, making its first seven shots from the floor and building early momentum. Chad Baker-Mazara scored seven quick points, but Indiana responded with a 7-0 run fueled by Wilkerson to briefly take the lead. The Trojans regained control late in the half, closing on a 5-0 run from the free-throw line to take a 35-30 advantage into halftime.

The Trojans seized command early in the second half with a 10-2 run, highlighted by a three-point play from Ausar and a corner 3-pointer from Woods that pushed the lead to 49-39. Arenas followed with a midrange jumper through contact and later knocked down back-to-back 3s during an 8-0 run that stretched the margin to double digits.

Indiana made a final push in the closing minutes, trimming the deficit to three points with 24 seconds remaining, but USC made six free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

“This game is not worth one game,” Musselman said. “There are bubble implications, Big Ten standing implications, and tie-break implications. A big win.”

The victory improved USC to 12-2 this season when it outrebounds its opponent and marked another step forward for a lineup Musselman believes is finding its rhythm midway through conference play.

USC will travel to Penn State on Sunday, while Indiana returns home looking to rebound after dropping its second straight road game.

USC upholds Rutgers losing record with blowout win, 71-39

By

Charle' Moore

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February 1, 2026

Los Angeles, CA- Senior Forward Kara Dunn dropped double digits again to lead USC to its first victory on Sunday, the first day of the month in February against Rutgers at the Galen Center, 71-39.

Freshmen Jazzy Davidson open the game with scoring the first basket before committing back-to-back turnovers that led to Scarlet Knights converting into points.

“I just thought we were a little sloppy with the ball and we talked about just being more intentional,” USC Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “Whether it was shot selection or really just getting, you know, in rhythm more. And I credit Rutger’s length and their zone kind of impacted us a little bit. But I thought we kind of got in our heads a little bit when shots didn’t fall early…”

Londynn Jones was able to change that mindset early after draining a triple to give her team, a 5-4 lead midway thru the first quarter. By the end of the quarter, both teams had found some rhythm on offense, trading baskets with Rutgers closing out the first period, up 15-12.

Malia Samuels opened 2nd quarter with a tying triple, 15-15. A couple of plays later, Davidson came with a sweet Euro step in transition for a 3- point play putting USC up five, 24-19.

“Malia being back was great,” Sophmore Guard Kennedy Smith said. “She brings the defense energy and leadership that we need for this team. She’s a big asset for this team. So her being back brought us momentum obviously on the defensive end.“

But the Women of Troy fell to capitalize on that big momentum swing and put the game away by committing more costly unforced turnovers that allowed the Scarlet Knights to hang in the first half, entering halftime, 29-23.

Laura Williams became an unsung hero for USC grabbing 11 rebounds in only 14 minutes of action and knocking down pivotal baskets to help her team at home build up their win streak.

“Laura is a tremendous

athlete. She’s just like a super terrific athlete and she has long arms and she goes up and gets the ball,” coach Gottlieb said. “She’s a really good offensive rebounder. I think that tonight in particular, we didn’t shoot

it great, so there were a lot of opportunities. And they were in a zone, so there’s nobody really boxing you out. And I thought she did exactly

what she’s capable of doing in that sense.”

Dunn was USC’s unheralded leading scorer again, finishing with 18 points and six boards. Davidson added 16 points and 9 rebounds. Smith had 11 points plus a moment in the game where she performed a one-man press causing disruptive pressure to Rutgers’ guards.

Rutgers continued to make an attempt of a comeback but could not get over the hump, despite hitting a buzzer-beater shot to end the third period, 52-33.

Women of Troy did not let up on defense, only allowing Scarlet Knights to score eight points in the last three periods and continued their defensive prowess before emptying their bench and sealing the game with a corner three-pointer by crowd favorite Rian Forestier, starting this month off with a meaningful celebration.

“February is Black History Month and Black History is American history, right? And we have a really diverse team, but we have a lot of strong and powerful and amazing young African-American women who just do a lot of great things both on and off the court,” coach Gottlieb said. “And I think that, you know, their ability to, you know, wear a shirt and just shine a light on the incredible people in this country’s history that have made us who we are is a great thing, right? So, you hope that a t-shirt brings awareness, but you hope really it’s in how we live, and how we value, you know, those around us.”

USC (13-9, 5-6) will now hit the road traveling Midwest to first matchup against Northwestern, then Illinois.

Justin Rose walks away from the Farmers Open field

By

Jevone Moore

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February 1, 2026

untitled-28 — Champion Justin Rose - Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News

SAN DIEGO, CA— Justin Rose completed a dominant wire-to-wire performance Sunday at Torrey Pines, closing with a 2-under 70 to win the Farmers Insurance Open by seven strokes and cap one of the most commanding weeks of his PGA TOUR career.

Rose finished at 23-under-par 265, setting tournament records for 36-, 54- and 72-hole scoring while becoming the oldest champion in event history at 45. The victory was his 13th PGA TOUR title, the fourth wire-to-wire win in Farmers Open history and the largest margin of victory of his career. Rose earned $1.728 million for the win.

Justin Rose walks up the 18th green. Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News

“First and foremost, it’s an amazing thing to win any time, any place,” Rose said. “But when you start to think about the way this week unfolded, it really is incredibly special.”

Playing with a six-shot cushion to start the final round, Rose never allowed the field to mount a serious charge on the demanding South Course. He mixed patience with precision, avoiding the big mistake and steadily adding pars and timely birdies to keep the tournament firmly in his control. His closing 70 gave him rounds of 62-65-68-70 for the week.

Pi Coody, Si Woo Kim and Ryo Hisatsune tied for second at 16 under after rounds of 65, 69 and 69, respectively. Jake Knapp and Stephan Jaeger finished another stroke back at 15 under, while Sahith Theegala, Andrew Novak and Joel Dahmen shared seventh at 14 under.

Rose’s ability to manage pressure over four days stood out on a course known for volatility, particularly as greens firmed up late in the week. He extended his lead each round and never appeared rattled, even as others tried to make a late push.

“There’s always nerves,” Rose said. “But it’s a lot easier being on the golf course than thinking about it the night before. When you have the club in your hand and you’re committed, it’s never as bad as you think.”

With history within reach, Rose was also acutely aware of the tournament scoring record as he played the closing holes. He laid up on the par-5 18th rather than forcing a risky shot, choosing discipline over theatrics to secure the milestone.

“I was keenly aware of it,” Rose said. “I was trying to get in the clubhouse at 23 or better. I still had a job to do, so I was trying to stay disciplined.”

The win further cements Rose’s legacy as the most successful English player in PGA TOUR history and reinforces his resurgence late in his career. Having now won at Torrey Pines twice, Rose said the venue remains one of his favorites on the schedule, both for its challenge and its setting.

“It’s the kind of place you play and you stop and look around and go, wow, this place is special,” he said.

After four days of control, composure and record-setting golf, Rose left little doubt, turning Torrey Pines into a personal showcase and opening the 2026 season with a performance that will be remembered as one of the finest of his career.

Champion Justin Rose on the 8th Tee Box – Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News

UCLA pushes around Iowa for another win

By

Jevone Moore

-

February 1, 2026

_RM52602 — Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News

WESTWOOD, Ca — No. 4 UCLA delivered a statement performance Sunday, overpowering No. 9 Iowa 88-65 at Pauley Pavilion behind a dominant inside attack and balanced scoring that kept the Hawkeyes chasing for most of the afternoon.

The Bruins (21-1, 11-0 Big Ten) used a decisive second-quarter surge and never looked back, leading for more than 37 minutes while handing Iowa just its fourth loss in its last 21 Big Ten regular-season games. UCLA shot 57.8% from the field, went a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line and outscored Iowa 56-26 in the paint in a matchup billed as one of the weekend’s marquee games.

Dugalic on the break. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Angela Dugalić led UCLA with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting matching her career high, while Lauren Betts added 16 points in just under 21 minutes, consistently punishing Iowa around the rim. Kiki Rice finished with 17 points and seven assists, directing an offense that assisted on 29 of its 37 made baskets.

“I think a lot of our confidence comes from the work we put in day after day,” Betts said. “We have a really amazing post presence and we work hard at it every day.”

UCLA took control late in the first quarter and stretched the margin to 39-28 by halftime, shooting nearly 70% in the second period. Any hope of an Iowa comeback faded quickly after intermission as the Bruins opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run, pushing the lead into double digits for good. UCLA outscored the Hawkeyes 23-17 in the third and 26-20 in the fourth, with the advantage swelling to as many as 27 points.

Iowa (18-4, 9-2) was led by Ava Heiden, who scored 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting to extend her streak of double-figure games to 10, including against all 11 Big Ten opponents. Hannah Stuelke added 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists, recording her 16th game this season with at least eight boards. Taylor Stremlow chipped in 12 points and four assists, while Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright finished with 10 points and a team-high seven assists.

The Hawkeyes, however, struggled to keep pace offensively, shooting 43.4% overall and just 5-for-21 from 3-point range. Iowa managed only two lead changes early and trailed for all but 1:45 of the contest, falling to 5-3 against AP Top 25 opponents this season.

UCLA’s depth proved decisive, with 29 bench points and consistent pressure on both ends of the floor. Sienna Betts pulled down seven rebounds, Gianna Kneepkens scored 10 points, and Charlisse Leger-Walker added 10 points and five rebounds as the Bruins repeatedly capitalized on second-chance opportunities and fast breaks.

Head coach Cori Close credited the environment and her team’s unselfish approach for fueling the performance.

“Great atmosphere here today for the game,” Close said. “What I really love about this team is that they celebrate each other’s growth. The Bruin faithful was incredible this weekend.”

With the win, UCLA remained unbeaten in conference play and strengthened its résumé against ranked competition, while Iowa left Los Angeles looking to regroup after being outmuscled and outpaced for four quarters.

Rose is your leader after 54 holes at the Farmers Open

By

Jevone Moore

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January 31, 2026

untitled-13 — Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News

SAN DIEGO, CA — Justin Rose turned Torrey Pines into a familiar playground again Saturday, firing a steady 4-under 68 on the South Course to seize a commanding six-shot lead after three rounds of the Farmers Insurance Open.

Rose, the 2019 champion, stood at 21-under-par 195 after rounds of 62 on the North Course, 65 on the South and another 68 on the South, posting the lowest 54-hole score at the event since records began in 1983. His margin is the largest 54-hole lead at the Farmers Open since Tiger Woods led by eight in 2008, and the biggest on the PGA TOUR since Scottie Scheffler’s eight-shot cushion at the 2025 THE CJ Cup at Byron Nelson.

Rose looking at next shot to find the line. (Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News)

“Yeah, today I played really well,” Rose said. “I thought that was the round of the week from tee to green anyway.”

Joel Dahmen was second at 15 under after a 3-under 68 on the North Course, but never seriously threatened as Rose repeatedly answered any hint of pressure. Ryo Hisatsune and Si Woo Kim were tied for third at 13 under, while Max McGreevy sat fifth at 12 under.

Rose built his third-round momentum with precise iron play and controlled aggression, setting up a string of birdie chances while avoiding mistakes on a course that can quickly punish loose shots. Even on a day when birdie putts outside 10 feet were scarce, he kept moving forward and maintained his cushion through the demanding closing stretch.

The 45-year-old Englishman is seeking his 13th PGA TOUR victory in his 447th career start and his first win since the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship. A victory Sunday would make him the event’s 10th multiple winner and the first since Jason Day in 2018, while extending his record for most TOUR wins by an English player.

Despite the sizable lead, Rose dismissed any notion of easing off heading into the final round.

“There’s never going to be any complacency,” he said. “You’ve got to do everything right tomorrow.”

Sahith Theegala taps put on the green. Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News

Dahmen, who played alongside Rose, acknowledged the difficulty of chasing on the South Course, where low rounds are hard-earned and leads can evaporate only with near-perfect golf.

Rose has now led or co-led the Farmers Insurance Open after a round eight times since 2016, the most of any player, and is 6-for-17 when holding a 54-hole lead or co-lead on TOUR. With calm weather forecast again Sunday, the task ahead is simple but exacting: manage the volatility of Torrey Pines and finish what has already been a record-setting week.

Trojans close with poise

By

Vaaron Watts

-

January 31, 2026

Los Angeles, CA- From a Trojan fan’s perspective, this was a game that showed USC’s identity and its maturity.

USC controlled the matchup from start to finish, dictating the tempo and playing through its strengths. The Trojans led for nearly the entire night, leaning on physical interior play and balanced scoring to keep Rutgers at arm’s length. Still, Big Ten games rarely stay comfortable.

Rutgers made its late surge behind guard Tariq Francis, who finished with a game-high 26 points and five assists. His shot-making and pressure cut USC’s lead down to one possession in the final moments, setting up a tense finish.

But USC made the defensive play of the game.

With seconds left and Francis handling the ball near midcourt, Chad Baker-Mazara squared him up, jammed him with his dribble, and cleanly poked the ball away, a strong, disciplined defensive stand that sealed the 78–75 win and sent the Trojans celebrating.

USC’s edge all night came inside. Ezra Ausar was dominant, scoring 21 points with seven rebounds while repeatedly sealing defenders and finishing strong above the rim. Jacob Cofie delivered a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds), and Baker-Mazara added 17 points and five rebounds, giving USC consistent production across the front line.

Freshman Alijah Arenas continues to grow into the college game and provided a spark, scoring 9 points while knocking down 2 of 4 from three, encouraging signs of confidence and shot selection.

After the game, Eric Musselman praised Ausar’s work in the paint and highlighted the discipline of Kam Woods, who followed a season-high scoring night by taking just three shots and fully buying into the system. Musselman did acknowledge USC’s struggles against the full-court press late, an area the Trojans know must improve.