UCLA Secures High‑Profile Rematch with Duke
UCLA’s women’s basketball program will travel to Phoenix on December 16, 2026, to meet Duke in a much‑anticipated rematch that headlines the Scripps Sports Women’s Basketball Showcase. The game, scheduled for 4 p.m. Pacific time, continues a series that saw the Bruins defeat the Blue Devils 70‑58 in the 2026 NCAA Elite Eight, a victory that propelled UCLA to the Final Four. With a 3‑2 edge in the all‑time matchup, the Bruins are looking to extend their advantage as they fine‑tune their preseason slate against elite competition.
The showcase will unfold as a doubleheader, pairing UCLA‑Duke with a USC‑Miami contest at 6:30 p.m. PT. National audiences will be able to watch the action live on ION, while tickets go on sale to the public beginning August 20, 2024. The event promises a festive atmosphere at the Mortgage Matchup Center, a venue specifically prepared to host high‑profile collegiate matchups.
Showcase Production and Broadcast Reach
Scripps Sports, the division of The E.W. Scripps Company that curates the showcase, has assembled a partnership roster that includes the WNBA, NWSL, NHL and NCAA, underscoring the event’s broad appeal. Production duties will be handled by Position Sports, a firm founded in 2005 that specializes in event management and marketing for sports properties. Together, the collaborators aim to deliver a seamless broadcast experience that reaches viewers across the United States.
Among the key storylines is the performance of senior forward Lauren Betts, who led UCLA with 23 points in the 2026 NCAA victory over Duke and will be expected to anchor the offense in Phoenix. Coach Lawson and associate head coach Cori Close are also slated to play pivotal roles as they guide the team through the early season grind. The rematch offers both programs a chance to assess talent, test strategies, and generate excitement heading into the next chapter of college basketball.