UCLA women’s basketball Dominates Iowa
“Don’t worry,” said Bruins coach Cori Close. “I have a coach’s voice.” Her confidence resonated as UCLA women’s basketball triumphed over Iowa in the Big Ten tournament championship, winning decisively with a score of 96-45.
The victory marked a historic moment for the Bruins, as the 51-point margin is the largest in Big Ten tournament history. UCLA showcased their offensive prowess, shooting an impressive 63% from the field and setting a tournament record with 34 assists during the game.
Prior to this match, UCLA had been determined to return to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball after being eliminated by Connecticut in last year’s Final Four. This season, they have demonstrated resilience and skill, culminating in a remarkable 25-game winning streak dating back to November.
“Everyone came out with a certain level of confidence,” UCLA center Lauren Betts said, “that I just knew we were going to win.” This confidence was palpable as the Bruins outscored Iowa 44-16 in the paint, dominating the game from start to finish.
UCLA’s defense was equally impressive, limiting Iowa to just 5 points in the first quarter, a season-low for the Hawkeyes. Kiki Rice, who was named the tournament’s most outstanding player, emphasized the importance of defense, stating, “Every single night we take pride in our defense, and I think that’s what really ignited us today.”
With this victory, UCLA improved their season record to 31-1 and secured their 18th Quadrant 1 win, the most in the country this season. Meanwhile, Iowa’s record fell to 26-6 after the loss.
Looking ahead, UCLA is projected to be a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, a testament to their outstanding performance throughout the season. “Hello,” Close remarked after the game. “We’re back.”
UCLA will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament, providing them an opportunity to continue their impressive run and solidify their status as a top contender in women’s basketball.
