Ucla Women's Basketball Pummels Iowa, Wins Back-to-back Big Ten Tournament Titles

INDIANAPOLIS — As it turns out, nan UCLA women’s hoops squad was much than fresh for nan moment.

After competitory games successful their first 2 Big Ten tourney contests, nan Bruins dismantled No. 2 seed Iowa from commencement to decorativeness during a 96-45 victory astatine Gainbridge Fieldhouse to seal an NCAA tourney berth and triumph nan Big Ten.

The 51-point triumph was nan largest separator of triumph successful Big Ten title history, eclipsing nan 33-point people Iowa group successful its 2023 triumph complete Ohio State. UCLA’s 34 squad assists were besides a Big Ten title record, and a season-high for nan Bruins.

In beforehand of a Iowa-heavy crowd, nan Bruins put up 1 of their champion shooting games of nan season, firing 63% from nan field. Gianna Kneepkens tallied 19 points and each 5 starters reached double digits.

It was UCLA’s 25th consecutive triumph making love backmost to November.

Kiki Rice vanished pinch 15 points and 8 assists, earning Big Ten tourney astir outstanding subordinate honors.

After Iowa (26-6, 15-3) held down Michigan successful nan semifinal, nan Bruins (31-1, 18-0) returned nan favor. The Hawkeyes tallied conscionable 5 first-quarter points, their season-low successful immoderate period.

Iowa missed 9 consecutive shots and committed 4 turnovers during a five-minute tally during which UCLA mounted an 11-0 run. By nan 2nd quarter, nan Bruins built a 25-point lead.

UCLA netted back-to-back three-pointers successful 25 seconds early successful nan 3rd 4th to return a 32-point advantage — 55-23.

As nan Bruins did Saturday against Ohio State, UCLA relied connected its defense to widen its lead. The Bruins forced 19 Iowa turnovers that led to 22 points successful transition. They besides held Iowa to 28% from nan field.

The Hawkeyes apt earned themselves a No. 2 seed successful nan NCAA tourney pinch their convention performance.

UCLA will study its seeding and bracket placement during Selection Sunday adjacent week earlier hosting first and 2nd information contests.