The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying Big Ten women’s basketball showdown as the No. 3 UCLA Bruins travel to face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on February 23, 2025. With tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern Time, both teams are poised to leave everything on the court, aiming for key victories as they approach the NCAA tournament.
The UCLA Bruins, entering this contest with an impressive 25-1 record, are currently riding high after recent victories, bolstered by their elite scoring and strong defensive capabilities. With key players like center Lauren Betts, who towers at 6’7” and averages 19.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, and guard Kiki Rice checking in at 13.0 points and 4.5 assists, the Bruins present formidable challenges for any opponent. UCLA's resilience was tested recently when they suffered their only loss of the season to previously top-ranked USC, which ended their 23-game winning streak. But they bounced back quickly with wins against No. 25 Illinois and Michigan State, asserting their dominance.
On the other side of the court, the Iowa Hawkeyes, with their 18-8 record, are eager to solidify their NCAA tournament positioning after falling short against No. 8 Ohio State earlier this week, losing 86-78 after overtime. Despite the team's struggles, they managed to clinch key victories against ranked rivals, including their notable upset against No. 4 USC just weeks prior. The Hawkeyes depend heavily on Lucy Olsen, who leads with 17.8 points per game. Iowa’s coach Lisa Bluder, who recently announced her retirement, has guided the team through trying transitions, especially after the departure of superstar Caitlin Clark, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
The stakes are exceptionally high for this game: with the Big Ten leading the nation with 13 teams projected for the NCAA tournament, every win counts. Iowa looks to leverage the home-court advantage, and alumnus Caitlin Clark has rallied fans via social media, urging them to support their team at the arena. "We should rally and show support at the arena," Clark shared, embodying the spirit of Hawkeye fans dedicated to their legacy.
Analysts have emphasized how pivotal this matchup is for Iowa, as losing to another top-ranked opponent could be detrimental to their preparation for the tournament, especially after experiencing some inconsistency this season. “Iowa has played solid basketball... but every game matters now,” noted one ESPN analyst. This sentiment resonates deeply as both teams strive for favorable seating.
UCLA heads to Iowa as 8.5-point favorites, showcasing their potent scoring capabilities, averaging 79.2 points per game with only 55.8 points allowed. Comparatively, Iowa's offense posts 74.5 points per game but allows 65.8, which could be detrimental against such aggressive opponents. Notably, Betts also leads the team defensively, averaging 2.9 blocks per game, emphasizing UCLA's ability on both ends of the court.
The two programs have not met since their neutral-site contest during the Cancun Challenge back in 2016, where UCLA came out on top with a 78-65 victory. The historical depth adds intrigue for fans as they revisit this longstanding rivalry, which dates back to their first meeting back in 1990, where Iowa had the upper hand, winning 81-52.
Interestingly, there’s also personal history between some playing against each other; Iowa senior forward/center Addison O’Grady reminisced about her friendship with UCLA’s Lauren Betts from their time as high school teammates. "For me not to be the tallest girl on my high school basketball team is kind of crazy," O’Grady remarked reflecting on the opportunity to face off on the collegiate stage.
Fans eager to catch this Big Ten clash need to make sure they tune in, as the game will not be broadcast on traditional television channels but will stream live via Peacock, NBC’s subscription service, for $7.99 monthly. The standout performances from both teams' key players are sure to shine under the national spotlight as they contend for supremacy with the postseason on the horizon.
What’s clear is this matchup matters— not just for the teams but for their dedicated fan bases eagerly embracing the spirit of college basketball. Anticipation builds for the tip-off, and both teams would do well to play their best basketball as they eye their tournament fates.