Home / Sports / UCLA Dominates Iowa, Extends Undefeated Big Ten Run
UCLA Dominates Iowa, Extends Undefeated Big Ten Run
2 Feb
Summary
- UCLA secured an 88-65 victory over No. 8 Iowa, maintaining their undefeated Big Ten record.
- The Bruins have won 10 of 11 conference games by double digits, leading the standings.
- UCLA's balanced offense featured five players in double figures against Iowa.
The No. 2 UCLA Bruins decisively defeated the No. 8 Iowa Hawkeyes 88-65 on Sunday, extending their undefeated Big Ten record to 11-0. This victory marks their 15th consecutive win and solidifies their first-place standing in the conference, holding a one-game lead over No. 9 Michigan.
UCLA's offense showcased remarkable balance, with five players reaching double-digit scoring. Senior center Lauren Betts was instrumental, scoring 16 points and dominating the paint with 56 points to Iowa's 26. Graduate student Angela Dugalić also delivered a strong performance with a career-high-tying 22 points, including crucial three-pointers and paint scores.
The Bruins exhibited poise, especially in the fourth quarter when Iowa attempted a comeback. Key plays from Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez, alongside strong defense, quickly extended UCLA's lead. Iowa, despite a strong second-half push from sophomore Ava Heiden, struggled with offensive consistency and couldn't match UCLA's intensity.
Iowa's youth showed in their inability to consistently find offensive balance between interior and perimeter play. Coach Jan Jensen noted that younger players need to embrace leadership. With their remaining regular-season games, Iowa aims to learn from these experiences, while UCLA prepares for a crucial road game against Michigan.
