#ucla

NCAA Women's Tournament Final: South Carolina and UCLA Clash for Championship Title The NCAA women’s basketball tournament reached its pinnacle as No. 1 seed UCLA faced No. 1 seed South Carolina in the championship game, a matchup that promised to determine the season’s top team. The Gamecocks, led by coach Dawn Staley, sought their fourth national title under her leadership, while the Bruins, making their first title game appearance, aimed to end a 16-year championship drought. The game, broadcast live, carried significant weight for both programs, with Staley and UCLA coach Cori Close reflecting on their journeys to the final. From the opening moments, the physicality of the contest was evident. UCLA’s star center, Lauren Betts, found herself challenged by South Carolina’s Madina Okot, who aggressively contested her positioning. Officials’ calls would play a critical role in shaping the game’s flow, as Okot’s foul trouble could disrupt South Carolina’s defensive strategy. The early minutes set the tone for a tightly contested battle, with both teams showcasing their depth and resilience. For UCLA, the path to the championship was marked by a blend of experience and youthful energy. Coach Close, who had guided the Bruins to the Final Four for the second consecutive year, relied on a core of seven players, six of whom were seniors or graduate students. The team’s senior leadership, led by Betts, was complemented by the presence of Betts’ younger sister, Sienna, a freshman making her debut in the tournament. Betts expressed pride in Sienna’s ability to carry the legacy of the program, stating, “I can’t wait to see how she continues this legacy at UCLA. I’m just so proud of her.” The Final Four field highlighted the growing presence of women coaches in the sport.#ucla #south_carolina #dawn_staley #ncaa_womens_tournament #cori_close

UCLA and South Carolina Set for March Madness National Championship Clash The women’s NCAA Tournament will culminate in a high-stakes national championship matchup as No. 1 seed UCLA faces No. 1 seed South Carolina on April 5, 2026. The game, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, will be broadcast live on ABC and ESPN, with streaming options available via Fubo. This showdown marks a pivotal moment in the 68-team tournament, with both teams vying for their first title since 2017 for South Carolina and their first championship since 2023 for UCLA. South Carolina, the defending national champions, entered the tournament with a strong record, having advanced through the Round of 62 by defeating No. 16 Southern 103-34, followed by a dominant Round of 32 victory over No. 9 USC 101-61. In the Sweet 16, they edged No. 4 Oklahoma 94-68 before advancing to the Elite Eight with a 78-52 win against No. 3 TCU. Their Final Four appearance saw them overcome No. 1 UConn 62-48, setting the stage for their first national championship since 2017. UCLA, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse throughout the tournament. The Bruins began with a 96-43 rout of No. 16 CA Baptist in the Round of 62, then defeated No. 8 Oklahoma State 87-68 in the Round of 32. They advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 80-56 win over No. 4 Minnesota, followed by a 70-58 Elite Eight victory against No. 3 Duke. UCLA’s Final Four run included a 51-44 triumph over No. 1 Texas, positioning them as the top seed for the championship. The national championship game will be the culmination of a grueling tournament path for both teams.#ucla #south_carolina #phoenix #mortgage_matchup_center #usa_today_sports

UCLA Entering NCAA Title Game with 'Businesslike' Mindset PHOENIX — UCLA’s journey to its first NCAA championship game has been marked by a shift in mindset, as head coach Cori Close emphasized a strategic, focused approach to the final showdown against South Carolina. The Bruins, making their debut in the national title game, have drawn on lessons from their 2023 Final Four run, where they fell in the semifinals. Close described the team’s current preparation as a stark contrast to last year’s experience, highlighting how the team’s maturity and planning have evolved. The 2024 season has been a transformative chapter for UCLA, with the Bruins advancing to the title game after a 51-44 victory over Texas in the semifinals. Close noted that the team’s approach this year has been fundamentally different from the previous year, when they were “reacting to everything” rather than anticipating challenges. “Last year, we were reacting to everything, not anticipating,” she said during a press conference. “Whereas now that we have been a part of this, it just was a totally different planning experience. I just felt like we were able to be more strategic in how we put our players in position to be successful.” The Bruins’ preparation has also been influenced by the experiences of returning players from the 2023 Final Four. Close mentioned that several veterans shared insights with newer team members, helping to shape the team’s mindset. “That makes all the difference in the world,” she said, underscoring the value of mentorship and continuity. South Carolina, the Bruins’ title game opponent, presents a formidable challenge. The Gamecocks have made six consecutive Final Four appearances and are set to play in their fourth national title game.#ucla #south_carolina #gamecocks #cori_close #gabriela_jaquez

Diana Taurasi Discusses UConn's Rivals, Azzi Fudd's Draft Prospects, and WNBA CBA in Q&A Diana Taurasi, a three-time WNBA and NCAA champion, reflected on her collaboration with GREENIES to promote dental health for pets, calling it a natural fit given her lifelong love for dogs. The partnership, tied to the “Be Your Dog’s Mouthguard” campaign, aims to kick off March Madness by linking pet care with college basketball. Taurasi emphasized that GREENIES has been a staple in her household for years, serving as her pets’ favorite treat. The campaign encourages fans to pledge support for the initiative, with a reward of a free GREENIES bag for those who take the pledge if UConn wins the national championship. When asked about potential threats to UConn’s dominance in the NCAA Tournament, Taurasi highlighted South Carolina and UCLA as key contenders. She praised South Carolina’s steady improvement throughout the season, noting the team’s ability to peak at the right time. UCLA’s balanced roster, which no longer relies on a singular defensive anchor like Lauren Betts, also emerged as a formidable challenge. Taurasi acknowledged UConn’s strength, crediting senior Azzi Fudd and junior Sarah Strong for their leadership and the team’s consistent high-level play. Taurasi expressed confidence in UConn’s ability to repeat as champions, though she admitted the team’s undefeated season this year was impressive. She noted that Fudd’s resilience despite injuries and Strong’s growth into a key player contributed to the team’s success. While she acknowledged the difficulty of facing a team like the 2002 UConn squad, she deferred to experts for definitive opinions on historical comparisons. The conversation turned to Azzi Fudd’s potential as a No. 1 overall draft pick in the WNBA Draft.#ucla #south_carolina #uconn #diana_taurasi #greenies

Women's March Madness results: UCLA, UConn, South Carolina cruise into Sweet 16; Virginia upsets Iowa to advance to first Sweet 16 since 2000 The second round of the women’s NCAA tournament concluded with a mix of dominant performances and unexpected upsets, setting the stage for the Sweet 16. Among the standout moments was No. 10 seed Virginia’s thrilling double-overtime victory over No. 2 seed Iowa, marking the Cavaliers’ first Sweet 16 appearance since 2000. The game, played at Iowa’s home court, saw Virginia push through a tightly contested match to secure a 83-75 win, sending the team to Sacramento for the next round. Meanwhile, top seeds UConn, UCLA, and South Carolina advanced without difficulty, showcasing their dominance. UConn’s 98-45 dismantling of Syracuse highlighted their firepower, with Azzi Fudd leading the way for the Huskies. UCLA’s 87-68 win over Oklahoma State was marked by a dominant performance from Lauren Betts, who scored 35 points in her final game at the Bruins’ home court. South Carolina’s 101-61 rout of USC further solidified their position as a powerhouse, with JuJu Watkins and Joyce Edwards playing key roles. Other notable results included No. 6 seed Notre Dame’s 83-73 upset over No. 3 Ohio State, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Kentucky and West Virginia’s 74-73 overtime clash added to the day’s excitement, while Vanderbilt’s 75-57 victory over Illinois showcased Mikayla Blakes’ scoring prowess, as the Commodores built a commanding lead. The tournament’s second round featured a blend of high-powered offenses and defensive grit. Virginia’s overtime win over Iowa underscored the underdog spirit, while UCLA’s early control of Oklahoma State demonstrated their depth.#ucla #south_carolina #iowa #uconn #virginia

Women's March Madness Bold Predictions: Michigan and Notre Dame Poised for Big Upsets The first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament has begun, marking the third time in history—and the first since 2013—that all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the previous year’s Final Four. While UConn and UCLA are widely expected to meet in the championship, the tournament’s unpredictability ensures that upsets remain a possibility. CBS Sports analysts have shared bold predictions for the upcoming tournament, highlighting potential surprises and key matchups. UCLA is expected to face significant challenges despite its strong resume. Analyst Isabel Gonzalez predicts the Bruins will not reach the championship game, citing the brutal bracket they must navigate. Teams like Ole Miss, Duke, and LSU have already demonstrated their ability to pull off upsets, and UCLA’s path includes a potential clash with Michigan, a team that has already tested the Bruins this season. Gonzalez also notes Texas as a stronger contender, pointing to the Longhorns’ improved offense and recent victories over UCLA and South Carolina. Michigan, meanwhile, is positioned to make a statement. Erica Ayala believes the Wolverines will defeat Texas and secure a spot in the Final Four. Michigan’s ability to challenge elite teams has been evident this season, with the team pushing both UCLA and UConn to the brink. Ayala highlights the trio of Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Olivia Olson, whose shooting prowess could disrupt Texas’s defense and create chaos in the tournament. The possibility of all four No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four is another bold prediction. Jack Maloney argues that this scenario is statistically plausible, noting that only four times in the tournament’s history have all four No. 1 seeds reached the Final Four. The current No.#ucla #michigan #texas #notre_dame #uconn

UCLA's NCAA Tournament History as a No. 7 Seed UCLA has participated in 52 NCAA Tournaments throughout its storied history. This year, the Bruins are entering the tournament as a No. 7 seed, set to face No. 10 seed UCF in the first round on Friday at 4:25 p.m. PDT in Philadelphia. Since the NCAA began seeding teams in 1979, UCLA has been a No. 7 seed four other times, including last season. The Bruins’ performance as a No. 7 seed has varied over the years, with notable moments highlighting their resilience and occasional struggles. In 1989, under first-year head coach Jim Harrick, UCLA was seeded No. 7. Led by freshman Don MacLean, the team finished third in the Pac-10 with an 18-9 record. They defeated No. 10 seed Iowa State 84-74 in the first round, with MacLean scoring 23 points and Pooh Richardson Jr. adding 19. The Bruins advanced to the second round but fell to No. 2 seed North Carolina 88-81. Despite shooting 50% from the field, UCLA couldn’t contain North Carolina’s balanced attack, which saw five players score in double figures. The 1989-90 season saw UCLA again as a No. 7 seed, this time with freshman Tracy Murray joining MacLean and Trevor Wilson. The Bruins reached the Sweet 16 after a 18-9 regular season, though they lost the Pac-10 tournament championship to Arizona. In the NCAA Tournament, they beat No. 10 seed UAB 68-56, with Wilson leading all scorers with 23 points. In the second round, UCLA stunned No. 2 seed Kansas 71-70, with Murray hitting the final free throws. The team’s season ended in the Sweet 16 after a 90-81 loss to No. 3 seed Duke, where Wilson struggled with shooting efficiency. UCLA’s next No. 7 seed appearance came in 2013, during the final season of head coach Ben Howland. The Bruins, led by Reeves Nelson and Tyler Honeycutt, finished second in the Pac-12 with a 22-9 record.#ucla #ncaa_tournament #philadelphia #don_maclean #tracy_murray

UCLA’s Mick Cronin Enters NCAA Tournament Amid Controversy and Coaching Philosophy Mick Cronin’s journey to the NCAA Tournament has been marked by both triumphs and turbulence. The UCLA men’s basketball coach, known for his intense approach, has faced criticism this season for his interactions with players and media, yet his methods continue to shape the Bruins’ roster. The season’s defining moments, from a math lesson during practice to a heated exchange with a reporter, highlight the duality of Cronin’s coaching style—honest yet volatile, demanding yet deeply committed to player development. During a practice session, Cronin gathered his team around a whiteboard, scribbling multiplication problems. When he incorrectly calculated 7×7 as 50, players like Jaylen Clark and Kenneth Nwuba reacted with confusion and laughter. Cronin used the moment to emphasize that “it only takes one bad environment, one bad interaction, one bad action to throw off all the good stuff you’ve done.” The lesson, though lighthearted, underscored his belief in accountability, a principle he has applied to both his players and himself. Cronin’s approach has not been without controversy. This season, he misjudged a foul by senior Steven Jamerson II, leading to a public clash with a reporter after a loss to Michigan State. The incident, which drew national attention, revealed his tendency to vent frustrations about officiating, scheduling, and travel. Yet, even as critics called him “over the top,” players like Clark acknowledged his intensity as a motivator. “If you’re not mentally tough, wanting to work, wanting to go from a boy to a man, then it’s probably not for you,” Clark said, reflecting on his own growth under Cronin’s guidance.#ucla #mick_cronin #jaylen_clark #steven_jamerson_ii #jim_leon

Xavier Booker's Role in UCLA's March Madness Prospects UCLA has finalized its starting lineup for the 2026 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament, featuring Skyy Clark, Trent Perry, Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr., and Donovan Dent. While a strong starting five is essential, the Bruins’ success in the tournament will depend heavily on their bench depth, particularly the contributions of junior center Xavier Booker. As a key rotational player, Booker’s ability to step up in high-stakes games could determine how far UCLA advances. This is Booker’s first season with UCLA after transferring from Michigan State, where he spent his first two years of college. A former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Booker brings a unique skill set for a 6-foot-11 big man. His offensive versatility allows for a high scoring ceiling, but his defensive consistency has been a concern, especially against physical opponents. Despite these challenges, Booker has delivered his best collegiate season to date, averaging 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 25 starts. He has also become the most utilized bench player on the roster, logging the most minutes among UCLA’s non-starters. Head coach Mick Cronin has acknowledged Booker’s progress, emphasizing his work ethic and adaptability. “It’s the hardest thing to teach, and that’s motor. He’s got a little bald guy chasing him up and down the court in practice,” Cronin said, highlighting Booker’s dedication to improving his competitiveness. While Booker’s offensive output lags behind Bilodeau’s team-leading 17.6 points per game, his efficiency stands out. He leads the Bruins in field goal percentage, shooting 55% from the field, and has shown flashes of dominance in critical matchups.#ucla #mick_cronin #xavier_booker #ncaa_men_s_college_basketball_tournament #donovan_dent

The 2026 NCAA Tournament Perfect Bracket Tracker The first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament concluded early Saturday morning, leaving 224 perfect brackets remaining across major online games. Starting with over 36 million brackets, the number has been reduced due to several close calls and near-upsets. While there were three upsets on the first day, none occurred on the second day, though several games significantly impacted the number of perfect brackets left. As the tournament moved into the second round, the number of remaining perfect brackets was reduced to 224. Key games that contributed to this reduction included the matchup between No. 2 UConn and No. 15 Furman, where UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. had a standout performance with 31 points and 27 rebounds. Reed's efforts helped UConn secure a 82-71 victory, advancing to face No. 7 UCLA in the second round. Another significant game was between No. 7 Miami and No. 10 Missouri, where Miami won 80-66. Despite a close game, Miami's senior forward Malik Reneau led the way with 24 points, securing their place in the second round against No. 2 Purdue. No. 4 Kansas defeated No. 13 Cal Baptist 68-60, with freshman Darryn Peterson leading the way with 28 points. Although Cal Baptist mounted a strong comeback, Kansas's dominance in rebounding and shooting secured their advancement to face No. 5 St. John's. No. 1 Florida dominated No. 16 Prairie View A&M with a 114-55 victory, marking the largest 1-over-16 blowout in tournament history. Florida's performance was highlighted by their shooting efficiency and rebounding, with the game being a stark contrast to the previous year's 58-point win. The number of remaining perfect brackets was further reduced to 494 after No. 7 UCLA defeated No. 10 UCF 75-71.#ucla #uconn #ncaa_tournament #furman #tarris_reed_jr

AP Announces 2025-26 Women’s College Basketball All-America Teams The Associated Press has released its All-America selections for the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season, highlighting standout performers across the nation. The teams include players who excelled in regular-season play and conference tournaments, with detailed statistics reflecting their contributions. Sarah Strong of the University of Connecticut led the first team with 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and a 60.1% field goal shooting percentage. Her performance earned her 31 first-place votes and 155 total points, marking a unanimous selection. Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt followed closely with 27 points, 4.4 assists, and a 45.8% field goal percentage, securing 29 votes and 151 points. Lauren Betts from UCLA also made the first team with 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a 56.2% shooting efficiency, matching Blakes’ vote count. Madison Booker of Texas contributed 18.9 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 51.6% from the field, earning 17 votes and 127 points. Azzi Fudd of UConn, a senior, added 17.7 points and 3.0 rebounds, with a 48.9% shooting accuracy, securing 14 votes and 121 points. Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, with 25.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, finished with 15 votes and 116 points. Joyce Edwards of South Carolina, who averaged 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a 58.7% field goal percentage, received 7 votes and 103 points. Olivia Miles of TCU, with 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, also earned 7 votes and 99 points. Audi Crooks of Iowa State, a junior, dominated with 25.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a 64.7% shooting percentage, securing 2 votes and 63 points. Jaloni Cambridge of Ohio State, averaging 22.8 points and 4.6 assists, added 2 votes and 61 points. Olivia Olson of Michigan, with 19.2 points and 6.#ucla #texas #university_of_connecticut #vanderbilt #associated_press

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

UCLA vs. Iowa in the Big Ten Women’s Title Game: Prediction, Odds, and Key Insights The 2026 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament has reached its final, with No. 1 seed UCLA and No. 2 seed Iowa set to clash in Indianapolis. The matchup, scheduled for Sunday, March 8, at 2:15 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, pits two powerhouse programs against each other in a battle for the conference crown. UCLA, the reigning Big Ten champion, seeks to secure its second title in three years, while Iowa aims to extend its dominance in the tournament, which it has won four times since 2022. The Bruins, led by 6-foot-7 forward Lauren Betts, entered the season as overwhelming favorites. Their 30-1 record includes a perfect 18-0 mark in Big Ten play, with 17 wins coming by double digits. UCLA’s size and depth have been key factors, as evidenced by their 88-65 victory over Iowa on February 1. The Bruins’ five players in double figures, 58% shooting efficiency, and 19 turnovers forced in that game underscored their dominance. However, Iowa’s resilience in the tournament has shifted the narrative. Iowa, ranked No. 9 in the country, has defied expectations after a second-place finish in the Big Ten standings. The Hawkeyes’ coach, Jan Jensen, acknowledged the team’s underdog story, noting that no one predicted their current position. “We’re at a spot now where nobody in the country thought we’d be,” Jensen said, emphasizing the team’s belief in their abilities. Iowa’s success has been fueled by grit and adaptability, with players like Chit-Chat Wright and Hannah Stuelke stepping up in critical moments. Both teams have focused on their own preparation ahead of the final.#gainbridge_fieldhouse #ucla #iowa #jan_jensen #charlisse_legger_walker

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