Top-seeded UCLA ran away from second seed Iowa, 96-45, to win their second straight Big Ten Tournament title Sunday and cap an undefeated regular-season slate. The Bruins, who set their program record for most consecutive wins in a season (24) in the semifinal game, also notched 30 wins for the second straight year.
Gianna Kneepkens lead six players in double figures with 19 points, while Kiki Rice added 15, Sienna Betts 14, Gabriela Jaquez 12, Charlisse Leger-Walker 11, and Lauren Betts 10. UCLA shot 63.5 percent from the field, which is the highest field goal percentage by a team in any Big Ten Tournament game. They also set the record for assists in any Big Ten Tournament game, with 34, and tied the record for most steals in the championship game, with 15.
Bruin coach Cori Close credited Rice, named the tournament’s most outstanding player, for her hard work and perseverance after missing six months last year after knee surgery. Close said her team’s growth has stemmed from their consistent work ethic.
“We hope that in our mission and our commitment to do things the right way, that a by-product would be competitive greatness,” Close said.
“We talk a lot abut surrendering the outcomes, and we’re just really focused on loving each other well, having intentional growth every single day, and competing possession by possession.”
Ava Heiden lead the Hawkeyes with 15 points, while Addie Deal chipped in 11. The team shot an uncharacteristically low 28 percent from the field and 22 percent from the three-point line, while committing 19 turnovers.
With the win, No. 2 UCLA earned an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament, where they could be a No. 1 seed. Selection Sunday is March 15.