#big_ten_tournament

Historic Night at Yost: Michigan, Ohio State to Battle for Big Ten Crown The University of Michigan ice hockey team, ranked No. 1 and seeded No. 2, will face Ohio State in the 2026 Big Ten Tournament championship on Saturday, March 21, at Yost Ice Arena. The game, set for 8 p.m., will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network. Michigan, with a record of 28-7-1, aims to secure its fourth Big Ten title, having previously won in 2016, 2022, and 2023. Ohio State, ranked No. 19 and seeded No. 5, will make its first-ever championship appearance against the Wolverines. Michigan enters the matchup as the top team in the NCAA Percentage Index (NPI), a key metric for determining the NCAA Tournament field. The Wolverines have held the No. 1 ranking in national polls for three consecutive weeks after a streak of 11 weeks at the top earlier in the season. This Saturday marks the first time Yost Ice Arena will host the Big Ten Championship game. The venue previously hosted NCAA Regionals, including a 2002-03 tournament where Michigan, then a member of the CCHA, defeated Maine and Colorado College to advance to the Frozen Four. The Wolverines advanced to the title game with a 6-1 victory over Notre Dame in the quarterfinals and a 5-2 win against Penn State in the semifinals. Michael Hage led the team with five points in the two games, while T.J. Hughes, Jayden Perron, and Garrett Schifsky each contributed three points. Goalie Jack Ivankovic, who is 2-0 in tournament play, posted a .943 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average. Michigan’s path to the championship included a dominant regular-season record against Ohio State, with four straight wins. The Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 5-2 and 8-1 at Yost in November, followed by 6-4 and 3-2 (overtime) victories in January.#big_ten_tournament #university_of_michigan #ohio_state #yost_ice_arena #tj_hughes

Purdue basketball is positioned as a strong contender for the 2026 NCAA Tournament after a successful Big Ten Tournament run, where they secured a four-game winning streak to claim the conference championship. The Boilermakers' victory over top-seeded Michigan in the tournament finale has elevated their status, moving them from a projected No. 3 or 4 seed to a No. 2 seed in the West Regional bracket. This marks a significant shift in their tournament outlook, with ESPN analyst Jay Bilas offering insights into their potential performance. Purdue’s NCAA Tournament opener is set for Friday, March 20, 2026, against No. 15 seed Queens. The game will take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, with a start time of 7:35 p.m. ET. The Boilermakers’ seeding as a No. 2 seed places them in a favorable position to advance, though their path will depend on their performance against Queens and subsequent matchups. Bilas, who has consistently praised Purdue’s talent and depth, believes the team has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. The Boilermakers’ recent success in the Big Ten Tournament has bolstered their reputation as a legitimate title contender. Their ability to defeat top-seeded Michigan, a team with a strong national profile, has drawn attention from national experts. CBS analyst Clark Kellogg has also highlighted Purdue’s strengths, particularly their balanced scoring and defensive resilience. These factors, combined with their improved seeding, position Purdue as a team to watch in the 2026 March Madness tournament. The tournament schedule for Purdue includes a critical first-round matchup against Queens, a team that will be a tough opponent. The game’s location in St. Louis adds logistical challenges, but Purdue’s experience in high-stakes games could give them an edge.#big_ten_tournament #jay_bilas #purdue #ncaa_tournament #clark_kellogg

UCLA's Cronin Speaks on Trent Perry’s Unexpected Rise This Season Trent Perry has emerged as a standout player for the UCLA Bruins this season, defying expectations with his rapid ascent up the team’s depth chart. Entering his second year with the program, Perry has become a crucial contributor, averaging 12.7 points per game while shooting 44% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc. His performance has been a bright spot for a team that has struggled at times this season. Perry’s growth has been particularly notable after a modest freshman season, during which he averaged just 3.7 points per game in limited minutes. This year, however, he has stepped into a more prominent role, frequently finding himself in the starting lineup. His ability to consistently score from three-point range has made him a key offensive weapon for UCLA. Perry is one of four Bruins—alongside Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, and Xavier Booker—who are shooting 41% or better from deep, highlighting his importance to the team’s offensive strategy. Perry’s breakout season gained momentum during Skyy Clark’s extended absence due to injury. When Clark was sidelined, Perry seized the opportunity to play a larger role, earning a full-time starting position. His performance during that stretch was so impactful that he retained his spot in the lineup even after Clark returned. This adaptability has allowed Perry to solidify his place in the rotation and become a reliable scorer for the Bruins. His contributions have been especially critical during high-stakes moments, such as the Big Ten Tournament. In the quarterfinals against Michigan State, Perry delivered a standout performance, scoring 22 points and hitting four three-pointers in a 88-84 victory over the Spartans.#big_ten_tournament #ucla_brains #skyy_clark #mick_cronin #trent_perry

Michigan State vs. North Dakota State NCAA Tournament Odds and Predictions The 14th-seeded North Dakota State Bison will face the third-seeded Michigan State Spartans in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament East Region on Thursday. The matchup takes place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, with tipoff scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. This will be the first meeting between the two programs. North Dakota State, which has won four consecutive games, secured its place in the tournament by defeating North Dakota 70-62 in the Summit League Tournament championship on March 8. The Bison finished the regular season with a 14-2 conference record and a 27-7 overall mark. Michigan State, meanwhile, fell to UCLA 88-84 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday. The Spartans, who have lost two straight games, tied for second in the Big Ten with a 15-5 conference record and a 25-7 overall record. The game carries significant betting implications, with Michigan State listed as a 15.5-point favorite in the latest odds. The total points scored are projected to exceed 143.5, with the over line showing strong historical performance. Michigan State has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 games, while North Dakota State has gone 5-5 against the spread in its past 10 contests. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has demonstrated a strong track record in NCAA Tournament predictions, simulated the matchup 10,000 times. The model’s analysis suggests the Bison could have two players scoring 10.4 points or more, including Damari Wheeler-Thomas, who is projected to contribute 14.2 points. Michigan State is expected to have four players scoring 12 points or more, led by Jeremy Fears Jr., who is projected to tally 17.2 points.#big_ten_tournament #michigan_state_spartans #north_dakota_state_bison #summit_league_tournament #keybank_center

Where Iowa basketball stands in March Madness bracket predictions IOWA CITY — Selection Sunday is here. The men’s NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealed later today. The March Madness Selection Show is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CT on CBS. Iowa men’s basketball finished the regular season 20-11 overall and 10-10 in Big Ten play under first-year head coach Ben McCollum. The Hawkeyes won their first game in the 2026 Big Ten Tournament, defeating Maryland, but then lost to Ohio State by three points. Iowa is projected to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023. The Hawkeyes have not won a game in the Big Dance since 2021. While it’s difficult to definitively know where Iowa currently stands in the eyes of the selection committee, here's where experts are predicting the Hawkeyes to land, as of Sunday morning. The men’s NCAA Tournament selection show will start at 5 p.m. CT on CBS. The women’s NCAA Tournament selection show will start at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. Iowa men’s basketball March Madness projections Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.#big_ten_tournament #ncaa_tournament #iowa_city #iowa_men_s_basketball #ben_mccollum

Michigan vs Ohio State Quarterfinals Set for Big Ten Tournament The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes will face off in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. The game is scheduled to start at noon ET and will be broadcast live on The Big Ten Network. For viewers seeking an online stream, Fubo offers a free trial to access the broadcast. Michigan enters the matchup as the tournament’s top seed with a 29-2 overall record and a 19-1 conference mark, the best in the league this season. The Wolverines secured their position after dominating the regular season, sweeping their conference schedule and capturing the outright Big Ten title. Their balanced performance on both ends of the floor has positioned them as one of the nation’s most complete teams, making them a strong contender for the championship. Ohio State, meanwhile, arrives with momentum after a strong run through the tournament bracket. The Buckeyes carry a 21-11 record and have won three consecutive games in the Big Ten Tournament, including a close victory over Iowa in the quarterfinals. Their recent success has bolstered their NCAA Tournament resume, and defeating the top-seeded Wolverines would send a powerful message as they approach Selection Sunday. Despite Michigan’s dominance during the regular season, Ohio State has shown resilience in the postseason, with their recent wins highlighting their ability to compete at the highest level. The matchup is expected to be a thrilling rivalry game, kicking off Friday’s NCAA college basketball slate. For those unable to watch in person, Fubo provides a platform to stream the game, offering access to major college basketball channels including ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, and the Big Ten Network.#big_ten_tournament #fubo #michigan_wolverines #united_center #ohio_state_buckeyes

Michigan Faces Ohio State in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals The Michigan men’s basketball team, which secured the outright Big Ten regular-season title, will aim for a second conference championship in the same tournament. The Wolverines, ranked No. 1 in the standings with a 29-2 record, will face No. 8 seed Ohio State (21-11) in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals. The matchup is set for noon Friday at the United Center in Chicago and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. This will be the third meeting between the rivals this season. Michigan has already defeated Ohio State twice during the regular season, with victories at home in Ann Arbor and on the road in Columbus. The Wolverines triumphed 74-62 on Jan. 23 and 82-61 on Feb. 8. The team also claimed the Big Ten tournament title last year under first-year coach Dusty May, defeating Purdue, Maryland, and Wisconsin in consecutive rounds. The Big Ten tournament is being held at the United Center in Chicago throughout the week. The quarterfinal matchup between Michigan and Ohio State will determine which team advances to the semifinals on Saturday. The game will be televised on BTN and available on 94.7 FM radio. Both teams have distinct records, with Michigan boasting a 29-2 overall mark and Ohio State at 21-11. The tournament bracket features multiple matchups, with the quarterfinals serving as a critical step toward the championship. Michigan’s path to the title includes overcoming Ohio State, while the Wolverines’ focus remains on securing another conference championship. The game’s outcome will have significant implications for both programs as they vie for dominance in the Big Ten.#big_ten_tournament #dusty_may #united_center #michigan_men_s_basketball #ohio_state

Wisconsin Basketball Maintains No. 6 Seed in NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections Wisconsin basketball remains projected as a No. 6 seed in ESPN’s latest NCAA Tournament bracket forecast, according to updated rankings released on March 11, 2026. The Badgers concluded their 2025-26 regular season with a decisive road victory over No. 15 Purdue, securing a 22-9 overall record and a 14-6 mark in Big Ten play. This performance earned them the No. 5 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, granting them a bye through the first two rounds of the postseason. The team’s seeding positions them to face the winner of the matchup between No. 12 Washington and No. 13 USC in the quarterfinals. A potential victory in that round would set up a rematch against No. 4 Illinois in the semifinals, should the Illini advance. Despite the challenges ahead, Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament fate is already secured, as even a loss to either Washington or USC would not jeopardize their projected No. 6 seed. However, a third consecutive deep run—potentially including wins over Illinois and Michigan—could elevate their seeding to a higher line. Wisconsin’s Big Ten Tournament campaign kicks off on Thursday, with the team’s performance in the conference tournament likely to influence their final NCAA Tournament placement. As Selection Sunday approaches, bracket projections will continue to evolve, but the Badgers’ strong regular-season finish and tournament positioning position them as a reliable mid-tier seed. The outcome of their upcoming games will determine whether they can push their seeding higher or maintain their current projection.#big_ten_tournament #purdue #ncaa_tournament #espn #wisconsin_basketball

Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Set for Big Ten Tournament Debut The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team is preparing to compete in the 2026 Big Ten Tournament, set to begin on March 10 at the United Center in Chicago. The Badgers, seeded No. 5 in the tournament, will face either Washington or USC in the opening game on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. CT. This marks the team’s fourth appearance in the tournament as a No. 5 seed, following previous runs to the Big Ten title game in 2024 and 2025. Wisconsin’s path to the tournament included a strong regular-season performance, finishing with a 22-9 record and a 14-6 mark in Big Ten play. The team’s success was highlighted by victories over three top-10 opponents, including wins at No. 2 Michigan, No. 8 Illinois, and No. 10 Michigan State. Additionally, the Badgers secured three top-25 road wins, a feat achieved for the third time in school history under head coach Greg Gard. The team’s recent game against No. 15 Purdue on March 5 was a standout performance, with Wisconsin defeating the Boilermakers 97-93. The Badgers hit a season-high 18 three-pointers, with Austin Rapp and Aleksas Bieuliauksas combining for eight three-pointers. John Blackwell led the team with 25 points, including five three-pointers, while Nick Boyd added 23 points and 5 assists. The win solidified Wisconsin’s No. 5 seed in the tournament. Key players earned recognition for their contributions. Nick Boyd was named to the second-team All-Big Ten after averaging 20.1 points per game, while John Blackwell earned third-team honors with a career-high 18.3 points per game. Sharif Chambliss was also honored as the Howard Moore Assistant Coach of the Year for his work in developing student-athletes. Wisconsin’s tournament seeding is bolstered by its rankings, including No.#big_ten_tournament #university_of_wisconsin #united_center #austin_rapp #aleksas_bieuliauksas

Michigan vs. Michigan State Prediction, Odds, Spread, and Game Time for 2026 College Basketball Matchup The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines will host the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans in a highly anticipated college basketball game on Sunday, March 8, as part of the final day of the regular season. The matchup, set for 4:30 p.m. ET at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. Michigan, with a record of 28-2 (18-1 in the Big Ten), has secured the top seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, while Michigan State (25-5, 15-4) aims to clinch a sole second-place finish in the conference. The Wolverines have a strong recent history against the Spartans, having won and covered in their previous meeting on January 30. The latest betting odds have Michigan as a 9.5-point favorite, with the over/under for total points scored set at 151.5. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has demonstrated strong performance with a 23-17 record on side picks and an 11-1 run on over/under predictions since last season, has simulated the game 10,000 times. The model’s analysis suggests the game will likely result in an under, with the total points scored expected to fall below 151.5 in 54% of simulations. Michigan’s offense has struggled in recent games, averaging only 71 points over the past three contests, while Michigan State’s 57% Under rate adds to the model’s confidence in the under. The model also projects that no individual player will score more than 17 points in the game, further supporting the underline. For bettors, the model’s top-rated picks and betting advice highlight the importance of focusing on the spread and over/under lines.#big_ten_tournament #crisler_center #michigan_wolverines #michigan_state_spartans #sportsline

UCLA Bruins vs Washington Huskies Big Ten Tournament - Quarterfinal No. 2 UCLA overcame a slow start to defeat Washington 78-60 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday, March 6, 2026. Big Ten Player of the Year Lauren Betts led the Bruins with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Kiki Rice contributed 18 points and six assists. The victory extended UCLA’s winning streak to 23 games, matching the school’s longest streak in history, and marked their 22nd consecutive Big Ten win. Washington, the regular-season champion, struggled to contain UCLA’s offensive surge. Avery Howell scored 18 points for the Huskies, but the team’s two-game winning streak ended with its second loss to the Bruins this season. The game began with Washington taking an early 13-6 lead after the first quarter, and the Huskies extended their advantage to 22-12 in the second quarter. However, UCLA responded with a 15-point run, fueled by Betts and Rice, to take a 27-24 halftime lead. The Huskies fought back in the third quarter, re-taking a 34-33 lead on Elle Ladine’s three-pointer. UCLA answered with a 7-0 run, including a three from Rice and two free throws from Betts, to build a 40-34 edge. Washington remained competitive but couldn’t close the gap as UCLA closed the quarter on a 7-0 spurt, making it 49-41. The Bruins maintained their lead in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Washington’s postseason fate will be determined in the coming weeks, while UCLA faces No. 11 Ohio State in the semifinals on Saturday. The game, played in front of a sparse midday crowd in Indianapolis, highlighted UCLA’s resilience and dominance in the tournament.#big_ten_tournament #ucla_brains #washington_huskies #lauren_betts #kiki_rice

Iowa Women's Basketball Faces UCLA in Big Ten Tournament Final No. 2 seed Iowa women’s basketball will take on No. 1 seed UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament championship game on Sunday, March 8, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The matchup marks a rematch of a previous game in which Iowa fell to UCLA, 88-65, on February 1. Iowa advanced to the final by defeating No. 3 seed Michigan, 59-42, in the semifinals. The Hawkeyes, with a record of 26-5, will face UCLA, which secured its spot in the championship after defeating No. 5 Ohio State, 72-62, in the early semifinal. UCLA enters the game with a 30-1 overall record, showcasing its dominance in the tournament. The championship game is scheduled to start at 1:15 p.m. Central Time. The event will be broadcast live, with viewers able to stream the game through Fubo, which offers a free trial. For those unable to watch live, live updates and additional coverage will be available via the provided link. The matchup highlights the competitive nature of the Big Ten Tournament, with both teams demonstrating strong performances throughout the season. Iowa’s victory over Michigan underscores its resilience, while UCLA’s consistent success reflects its depth and skill. The game promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.#gainbridge_fieldhouse #big_ten_tournament #indianapolis #iowa_women_basketball #ucla

Everything Jan Jensen, Journey Houston, Taylor Stremlow Said Following Win Over No. 10 Illinois Iowa secured a 64-58 victory over No. 10 Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament, marking another strong start to the postseason. Despite the final score, the Hawkeyes maintained a double-digit lead for much of the game before benching their starters with four minutes remaining, allowing Illinois to mount a late surge. Head coach Jan Jensen, along with players Journey Houston and Taylor Stremlow, addressed the media after the game, offering insights into their performance and strategies. Jensen praised the team’s opening to the tournament, noting Illinois’ challenges with playing three games in three days. She highlighted the importance of preparation, stating, “We really knew the scout, and I think our defense set the tone.” The coach expressed gratitude for the win, emphasizing the value of experience against a strong opponent. Houston reflected on a pivotal fourth-quarter play where she stole the ball from Illinois’ Cearah Parchment. “I really just have the stay-ready mindset all the time,” she said, adding that the team had to adapt to recent adversity with key players sidelined. She emphasized the importance of staying focused during critical moments. Stremlow discussed the team’s approach to maintaining composure when Illinois closed the gap. “We’re trying to stay together, stay on the same page,” she said, noting that the group’s effort during the game would benefit future matchups. She also highlighted a memorable play in the second quarter, where teammate Chit-Chat dropped the ball between her legs, allowing Stremlow to make a one-handed pass. “Those plays are fun,” she said, acknowledging the team’s chemistry.#big_ten_tournament #iowa #jan_jensen #journey_houston #taylor_stremlow

Iowa women's basketball overpowers Illinois: Final score, recap The second-seeded and nationally ranked ninth-ranked Iowa women’s basketball team (25-5, 15-3 Big Ten) dominated the tenth-seeded Illinois squad (21-11, 9-9 Big Ten) in a Thursday night matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, securing a 64-58 victory. The Hawkeyes advanced to the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals, where they will face either third-seeded Michigan or 11th-seeded Oregon on Saturday evening. Ava Heiden led Iowa’s offensive efforts with 16 points, shooting 6-for-7 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. She also contributed five blocked shots, including four of Iowa’s total seven blocks. Supporting Heiden were Hannah Stuelke (13 points), Chit-Chat Wright (12 points), Kylie Feuerbach (10 points), and Taylor Stremlow (nine points). Jouney Houston added a career-high 12 rebounds while scoring four points in 25 minutes off the bench. Defensively, Iowa held Illinois to 21-of-63 shooting (33.3%) and forced 11 turnovers. The Hawkeyes’ aggressive defense disrupted Illinois’ rhythm, particularly in the paint, where they recorded seven blocks and two steals. Illinois struggled to contain Iowa’s inside presence, which was a key factor in the Hawkeyes’ ability to control the game from start to finish. The final score of 64-58 reflected Iowa’s dominance throughout the contest. By the end of the third quarter, Iowa led 53-31, with Illinois showing little ability to mount a sustained offensive response. The Hawkeyes’ balanced scoring and relentless defense made it nearly impossible for Illinois to keep pace. In the first half, Iowa built a 37-23 lead at halftime, outshooting Illinois 14-of-27 (51.9%) compared to Illinois’ 10-of-31 (32.3%).#gainbridge_fieldhouse #big_ten_tournament #iowa_women_basketball #illinois #hawkeyes

Illinois falls to Iowa in Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals INDIANAPOLIS — The Illinois women’s basketball team suffered a 64-58 loss to Iowa in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament on Friday. The Hawkeyes seized control early, capitalizing on a slow start from the Illini, who struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Despite a late 15-0 run in the fourth quarter, Illinois couldn’t overcome the deficit, and the final score did little to reflect the intensity of the contest. Iowa’s early dominance was evident from the outset, with the Hawkeyes building a significant lead in the first half. The Illini, who have often found themselves in similar situations this season, failed to respond effectively to the early pressure. By halftime, Iowa had already established a comfortable cushion, and the Illini’s inability to adjust their approach proved costly. The game’s turning point came in the third quarter, when Iowa extended its lead and began to rotate its bench players. The Hawkeyes’ decision to rest some of their starters may have inadvertently opened the door for Illinois to mount a late rally, but the Illini’s execution faltered in critical moments. Key shots from Illinois’ leading scorer, Berry Wallace, were either missed or blocked, leaving the team with few opportunities to close the gap. Wallace, who finished with just six points, was particularly ineffective in the first half, struggling to find his range. His only highlight came in the final minutes when he banked in a three-pointer from the top of the key, a rare moment of luck for the Illini. Despite the late surge, Illinois couldn’t sustain the momentum, and Iowa’s depth proved too much to overcome.#big_ten_tournament #ucla #illinois_womens_basketball #iowa_womens_basketball #shauna_green

Washington To Take On UCLA In Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals The University of Washington women’s basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Allstate Big Ten Tournament, where they will face No. 1-seeded UCLA. The Huskies secured their spot with a 76-64 victory over USC in the second round, while the Bruins also advanced with a 73-50 win against the Trojans in their regular-season finale. This marks the 76th all-time meeting between the two programs, with UCLA holding a 42-33 series advantage. Washington’s path to the quarterfinals included a decisive win over USC, which came after a 76-64 result. Sayvia Sellers led the Huskies with a season-high 25 points, shooting 10-for-13 from the field. The victory marked Washington’s first conference tournament quarterfinal appearance since the 2019-20 season. Three Huskies earned Big Ten End-of-Season Honors: Sellers was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, Avery Howell received Honorable Mention, and Brynn McGaughy was recognized as a Big Ten All-Freshman Team member. Sellers also joined the 2026 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Women’s Player of the Year Late-Season Team, becoming the first Husky since Kelsey Plum and the fourth Washington player since 2010 to be selected. UCLA, ranked No. 1 in the conference, entered the tournament with a 28-1 record and a perfect 18-0 mark in Big Ten play. The Bruins concluded their regular season with wins over Wisconsin and USC, showcasing their dominance. In their previous matchup against Washington, UCLA defeated the Huskies 82-67 in late February. This time, the Huskies aimed to reverse the outcome, leveraging their recent performance and key player contributions.#big_ten_tournament #ucla #university_of_washington #sayvia_sellers #avery_howell

Iowa women's basketball: No. 9 Hawkeyes ride 6-game winning streak into Big Ten tournament The No. 9 Iowa women’s basketball team enters the Big Ten tournament with a six-game winning streak, positioning them as a strong contender for the conference title. The Hawkeyes, ranked No. 9 in the latest polls, will face off against top-tier competition in Indianapolis, where the tournament will determine the Big Ten’s representative for the NCAA championship. UCLA, the No. 2 seed, has dominated the conference this season, completing the Big Ten’s first perfect regular-season slate since 2014-15 with a victory over longtime rival Southern California. The Bruins, now seeking their first national title since 1978, have already secured their first conference tournament title in nearly two decades and reached their first Final Four in nearly half a century. Coach Jia Cross emphasized the team’s resilience under pressure, noting that their ability to perform in high-stakes moments has been a defining trait. “They have broken almost every single record,” Cross said after Sunday’s win. “It’s a pretty darn fun team to coach.” Despite their dominance, UCLA faces a challenging path to the national title. The tournament bracket features nine Big Ten teams ranked in the NET’s Top 25, including No. 8 Michigan, No. 9 Iowa, No. 11 Ohio State, No. 14 Maryland, No. 18 Michigan State, and No. 19 Minnesota. USC and Nebraska also join the field, creating a highly competitive landscape. Michigan guard Macy Brown highlighted the experience of the team’s sophomore-heavy roster, stating, “Being battle tested and just kind of getting that experience—basically half of our team is sophomores so we have that year under our belts. So being able to play those teams in the Big Ten, it’s always helpful.#big_ten_tournament #iowa_women_basketball #ucla #michigan #minnesota

Big Ten Tournament - No. 1-Seed UCLA Begins Tourney Play Against Washington The No. 1-seeded UCLA women’s basketball team kicks off its Big Ten Tournament campaign against Washington on Friday morning at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game, scheduled for 9 a.m. PT on the Big Ten Network, pits the Bruins, who finished the regular season undefeated in conference play with an 18-0 record, against the Huskies, who entered the tournament with a 21-9 overall record and 10-8 mark in the Big Ten. This matchup marks the first time in Big Ten history that a team has gone undefeated in conference play, with UCLA joining an elite group that includes only three other teams. UCLA’s dominance this season has been underscored by its performance against top-tier opponents. The Bruins led the nation with 10 wins against Top 25 teams and 14 victories over Quad 1 squads, despite a single loss in their schedule. Their ability to consistently outperform ranked competition has positioned them as one of the premier teams in the country. Washington, however, will need to overcome the challenge of facing a squad that has already proven its mettle in high-stakes games. The two teams have met before, with UCLA securing a decisive 82-67 victory on Feb. 19. While the Bruins’ performance in that game was strong overall, with a 53.3% shooting percentage, their struggles from beyond the arc—hitting just 26.7% of three-pointers—were notable. Washington, on the other hand, shot 43.0% from the field and 37.0% from three-point range, a performance that exceeded the Bruins’ defensive expectations. This discrepancy raises questions about whether Washington can replicate its success against USC in the upcoming matchup. Washington’s recent game against USC provided a glimpse of its potential.#ucla_womens_basketball #washington_womens_basketball #gainbridge_fieldhouse #big_ten_tournament #indianapolis