UCLA Dominates Big Ten Tournament, But UConn Deserves No. 1 Seed

Sports analysts debate whether UCLA or UConn should get the top overall seed in the NCAA women's basketball tournament

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:19pm

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Yahoo Sports' Caroline Fenton, women's basketball writer Cassandra Negley, and basketball analyst Isis 'Ice' Young discussed UCLA's impressive performance in the Big Ten tournament, but ultimately concluded that UConn deserves the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA women's basketball tournament without a doubt.

Why it matters

The debate over the No. 1 overall seed is significant as it determines the top team's path to the Final Four and national championship. Both UCLA and UConn have strong cases, with UCLA dominating the Big Ten but UConn's consistent excellence over many seasons.

The details

The analysts highlighted UCLA's dominating run through the Big Ten tournament, but noted that UConn's body of work over the entire season, including wins over top teams, gives them the edge for the No. 1 overall seed.

  • The discussion took place on March 12, 2026.

The players

Caroline Fenton

A Yahoo Sports reporter covering the women's basketball tournament.

Cassandra Negley

A women's basketball writer for Yahoo Sports.

Isis 'Ice' Young

A basketball analyst for Yahoo Sports.

UCLA

The women's basketball team from the University of California, Los Angeles that dominated the Big Ten tournament.

UConn

The University of Connecticut women's basketball team, a perennial powerhouse that is considered the favorite for the No. 1 overall seed.

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What they’re saying

“UCLA's dominating performance in the Big Ten tournament was impressive, but UConn deserves the No. 1 overall seed without a doubt.”

— Cassandra Negley, Women's basketball writer (Yahoo Sports)

The takeaway

The debate over the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA women's basketball tournament highlights the strength of both UCLA and UConn, with UConn's consistent excellence over the full season giving them the edge despite UCLA's dominant Big Ten tournament run.