UCLA Women's Basketball Dominates Iowa, Poised for National Title

Bruins crush Iowa by 51 points in Big Ten tournament final, cementing status as top NCAA tournament seed

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The UCLA women's basketball team delivered a stunning 96-45 victory over ninth-ranked Iowa in the Big Ten tournament championship game, winning by a margin of 51 points. The dominant performance has cemented UCLA's status as the likely No. 1 overall seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament, as the Bruins have now won 25 straight games and proven their ability to overwhelm even the top teams in the country.

Why it matters

UCLA's decisive win over Iowa, a perennial national contender, demonstrates the Bruins' readiness to capture their first national championship since 1978. With a veteran-laden roster and a coach in Cori Close who has guided the team to 10 NCAA tournaments in 15 seasons, UCLA appears poised to end its long title drought and cement its status as the premier women's basketball program in the country.

The details

UCLA raced out to a 17-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back, holding Iowa to just two baskets in the opening frame. The Bruins showcased their depth, as nine different players scored, led by Gianna Kneepkens' 19 points on four made three-pointers. UCLA also set a Big Ten tournament record with 34 assists on 40 made baskets, highlighting their unselfish, team-first approach.

  • UCLA won the Big Ten tournament championship on March 8, 2026.
  • The NCAA women's basketball tournament bracket will be revealed on the following weekend.

The players

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who has guided the Bruins to 10 NCAA tournament appearances in 15 seasons.

Lauren Betts

The standout post player for UCLA, who is expected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.

Kiki Rice

The tournament Most Outstanding Player, known for her unselfish play and desire to win above individual accolades.

Gianna Kneepkens

A key addition to the UCLA roster this season after transferring from Utah, providing the Bruins with additional perimeter shooting.

Jan Jensen

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, whose team was overwhelmed by the Bruins in the Big Ten tournament final.

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What they’re saying

“What they've done this year has been extremely impressive. I think you saw a lot of senior leadership on their end, a team that's been on a mission since the Final Four last year.”

— Jan Jensen, Iowa Head Coach (Los Angeles Times)

“This group has the potential to do whatever it wants.”

— Kiki Rice (Los Angeles Times)

“She's one of the most selfless people I've ever played with. She really could [not] care less about all the attention. She just wants to win.”

— Lauren Betts (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The NCAA women's basketball tournament bracket will be revealed on the weekend following UCLA's Big Ten tournament championship, at which point the Bruins are expected to be named the No. 1 overall seed.

The takeaway

UCLA's dominant performance in the Big Ten tournament final has firmly established the Bruins as the team to beat in the upcoming NCAA tournament. With their veteran leadership, balanced scoring attack, and commitment to unselfish team basketball, UCLA appears primed to end its 48-year national championship drought and cement its status as the premier women's basketball program in the country.