UCLA Crushes Iowa for Second Straight Big Ten Title

Bruins dominate in record-setting performance to claim conference tournament crown

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The UCLA Bruins delivered a masterful performance, dismantling the Iowa Hawkeyes 96-45 to win the Big Ten tournament championship for the second consecutive year. Led by tournament MVP Kiki Rice, the Bruins shot an incredible 63.5% from the field and 50% from three-point range, setting a conference tournament record with 31 assists. Freshman Sienna Betts shined with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, showcasing the Bruins' impressive depth and talent.

Why it matters

UCLA's dominant run through the Big Ten tournament has cemented their status as one of the top teams in the country, potentially challenging UConn for the No. 1 ranking. The Bruins' stifling defense and balanced scoring attack have made them a formidable opponent, setting them up for a deep NCAA tournament run.

The details

The game was essentially decided in the first quarter, with UCLA jumping out to a 22-5 lead. The Bruins continued to pull away, leading by as many as 51 points in the blowout victory. Six UCLA players scored in double figures, led by Gianna Kneepkens' 19 points. Freshman Sienna Betts had a standout performance, shooting 7-of-8 from the field for 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

  • The Big Ten tournament championship game was played on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Kiki Rice

A senior guard for UCLA, Rice was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after averaging 16.7 points and 5.3 assists in the event.

Sienna Betts

A freshman forward for UCLA, Betts had a breakout performance in the championship game, scoring 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting while adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins, Close led her team to their second straight Big Ten tournament title and is guiding them towards a deep NCAA tournament run.

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What they’re saying

“It's just a team effort. We do it every single day. We fight for each other. We play for each other and I love this group.”

— Kiki Rice, Senior Guard (Televised Postgame Interview)

“I think we obviously did some really good things and were locked in, but I actually don't think we're there yet. I think that's what's made them special is that they've been really willing to go, 'Hey, we can get 1% better today.' We can do a great job... really questing to get the best version of ourselves today. Not comparing what's down the road, but just really getting better today.”

— Cori Close, Head Coach (Televised Postgame Interview)

What’s next

The Bruins will now turn their attention to the NCAA tournament, where they will look to continue their dominant run and potentially challenge UConn for the top ranking in the country.

The takeaway

UCLA's comprehensive victory over Iowa in the Big Ten tournament final showcased the Bruins' incredible depth, balanced scoring attack, and stifling defense - all of which have made them one of the most formidable teams in the nation this season. Their quest for perfection and continuous improvement bodes well for their chances in the NCAA tournament.