UCLA women’s basketball Dominates Big Ten Championship
“Don’t worry,” said Bruins coach Cori Close. “I have a coach’s voice.” Her confidence was well-placed as UCLA women’s basketball delivered a stunning performance in the Big Ten tournament championship, defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 96-45 on March 8, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The victory not only secured the championship title but also marked the largest margin of victory in Big Ten tournament history at 51 points. UCLA showcased their dominance throughout the game, shooting an impressive 63% from the field and setting a tournament record with 34 assists.
UCLA’s success this season has been a response to last year’s disappointment, where they were eliminated by Connecticut in the Final Four. This season, the Bruins have been on a mission to prove their worth, culminating in a remarkable 25-game winning streak dating back to November.
“Everyone came out with a certain level of confidence,” said UCLA center Lauren Betts, reflecting on the team’s mindset heading into the championship. “I just knew we were going to win.” This confidence was evident as UCLA outscored Iowa 44-16 in the paint and held the Hawkeyes to just 5 points in the first quarter.
Kiki Rice, who was named the tournament’s most outstanding player, emphasized the importance of defense in their success. “Every single night we take pride in our defense, and I think that’s what really ignited us today,” Rice said.
With this victory, UCLA finished the season with a record of 31-1 and an 18-0 conference record, while Iowa concluded their season at 26-6 and 15-3 in conference play. UCLA’s triumph also marked their 18th Quadrant 1 win, the most in the country this season, further solidifying their position as a top contender.
“Hello,” Close said after the game. “We’re back.” Her words resonate as UCLA is projected to be a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, UCLA will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament, providing them an opportunity to continue their impressive run this season.