UCLA secured its second consecutive Big Ten Tournament title with a 96-45 win over Iowa, marking the largest margin of victory in the history of the tournament’s championship game. The Bruins, ranked second nationally, defeated the ninth-ranked Hawkeyes by 51 points, surpassing Iowa’s previous record 33-point win over Ohio State in 2023. This result also stands as the biggest margin ever recorded against an AP Top 10 team during the NCAA era.
Senior Kiki Rice was named Most Outstanding Player after contributing 15 points, eight assists, and three steals in the final. Senior Lauren Betts was also selected for the all-tournament team.
Six UCLA players scored in double figures, including all five starters. Graduate guard Gianna Kneepkens led all scorers with 19 points, converting half of her eight two-point attempts. Freshman Sienna Betts provided significant support off the bench with a season-high 14 points on seven-for-eight shooting, along with seven rebounds and five assists.
UCLA improved to a 31-1 record and extended its winning streak to 25 games. The Bruins outrebounded Iowa 37-31 and set new Big Ten tournament single-game records for field goal percentage (63.5%) and assists (34).
The game saw UCLA take control early after Iowa scored first. Rice contributed to UCLA’s opening run with a combination of jump shots and layups, while Sienna Betts added quick points off the bench. Charlisse Leger-Walker and others continued to build on the lead as UCLA finished the first quarter ahead 22-5.
Throughout the game, contributions came from across UCLA’s roster. Kneepkens hit multiple three-pointers and assisted teammates; Jaquez added scoring from beyond the arc; Leger-Walker distributed effectively and reached double digits herself; freshman Lena Bilic connected on two threes; Angela Dugalic remained active on rebounds and second-chance points.
By halftime, UCLA led by more than twenty points and continued to widen that gap throughout the second half. In addition to setting records for field goal percentage and assists, several players posted season or career-best performances as UCLA closed out its historic victory.
