UCLA women’s basketball team will play against Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team in an exhibition game at W’HOOP IT UP on July 22 for their first game on Canadian soil.
The Bruins will play at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, B.C. with a 7 p.m. tip-off as a way to help Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team prepare for the FIBA World Cup Competition in Berlin, according to a press release by Canada Basketball.
“We’re thrilled to bring our Senior National Teams back to Canadian soil as we continue our journey toward FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 in Berlin and FIBA Men’s World Cup 2027 in Qatar,” said Michael Bartlett, President & CEO of Canada Basketball, according to W’HOOP IT UP.
UCLA women’s basketball continue to make history following their historic 37-1 run to a National Championship earlier this spring.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to get better, so it was a no-brainer to sign on for W’HOOP IT UP,” said UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close, according to the press release. “It will be such a great experience for us to play against Canada Basketball’s Senior Women’s National Team. We’re excited to create some ‘Remember When’s’ while we’re up north, compete at the highest level, and become closer as a team.”
Close has had her work cut out for his this season as the the reigning national champions had a turnover on their roster following the national championship with six players entering into the WNBA.
The Bruins’ newly-extended head coach seems to be up to the challenge and then some with UCLA experiencing another first-time achievement under Close.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA women’s basketball head north to face the Canadian National Team
Reporting by Ryan Lorenz, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ryan Lorenz, UCLA Wire | USA TODAY Network
