UCLA Defeats Ohio State in Big Ten Tourney Semifinal

Bruins advance to championship game after 72-62 victory over Buckeyes

Mar. 7, 2026 at 10:56pm

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The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 72-62 in the semifinal of the Big Ten Tournament on Saturday. Head coach Cori Close and seniors Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice spoke about the hard-fought victory, with Rice highlighting UCLA's strong start and Betts praising the team's depth of talent.

Why it matters

This win puts UCLA one step closer to the Big Ten Tournament championship, a significant achievement for the program. The Bruins' ability to overcome a formidable Ohio State squad demonstrates their competitiveness and resilience as they aim to secure an NCAA Tournament berth.

The details

In the semifinal matchup, UCLA was able to maintain a lead over Ohio State throughout the game, though the Buckeyes kept the contest close. Coach Close noted that the Bruins had opportunities to stretch their advantage but were unable to fully pull away. Rice spoke about the team's strong start, a contrast to their previous game against Washington. Betts highlighted UCLA's depth of talent, with multiple players stepping up in the big moment.

  • The semifinal game took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team.

Lauren Betts

A senior on the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team.

Kiki Rice

A senior on the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Ohio State plays so hard, and we had opportunities to stretch the lead but couldn't get it done.”

— Cori Close, Head Coach

“We had a big start, which was different from the Washington game.”

— Kiki Rice, Senior

“I'm proud that everyone was able to step up in a big situation.”

— Lauren Betts, Senior

What’s next

UCLA will advance to the Big Ten Tournament championship game, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup.

The takeaway

UCLA's victory over Ohio State demonstrates the team's resilience and depth of talent as they continue their pursuit of a Big Ten Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth.