UCLA Defeats Ohio State, Advances to Big Ten Final

Bruins' balanced attack leads them to 24th straight win

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The second-ranked UCLA Bruins defeated the 11th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 72-62 in the Big Ten tournament semifinal. Kiki Rice led the Bruins with 17 points, while Lauren Betts, Gianna Kneepkens, Angela Dugalic, and Gabriel Jaquez also scored in double figures. Chance Gray scored a game-high 23 points for Ohio State, but the Bruins held off a late Buckeyes rally to secure the victory and advance to the Big Ten championship game.

Why it matters

This win extends UCLA's winning streak to 24 games and puts them in position to win their second consecutive Big Ten tournament title. The Bruins have been one of the top teams in the country all season and this victory over a ranked opponent demonstrates their depth and ability to win close games.

The details

UCLA never trailed in the game, building a lead as large as 16 points. However, Ohio State made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to just seven points with 1:24 remaining. UCLA point guard Charlisse Leger-Walker fouled out during the Buckeyes' rally, but Kiki Rice and Gabriel Jaquez helped the Bruins handle Ohio State's full-court pressure defense to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 8, 2026 in the Big Ten tournament semifinals in Indianapolis.

The players

Kiki Rice

A key player for the UCLA Bruins, scoring a team-high 17 points in the victory.

Lauren Betts

Contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds for the Bruins.

Chance Gray

Scored a game-high 23 points for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

UCLA's balanced scoring attack and ability to withstand Ohio State's late comeback push demonstrates the Bruins' status as one of the top teams in the country. Their quest for a second consecutive Big Ten tournament title will continue in the championship game.