UCLA Dominates Iowa in Statement Big Ten Win at Pauley Pavilion
LOS ANGELES - On a crisp February evening at Pauley Pavilion, UCLA made it loud and clear: they belong at the top of the Big Ten conversation. The Bruins put together a commanding 88-65 win over Iowa, showcasing the kind of depth, poise, and firepower that makes them a serious contender as we head into the heart of conference play.
From the opening tip, UCLA set the tone. Guard Kiki Rice, as steady as she is explosive, orchestrated the offense with confidence.
Whether she was pulling up for a jumper or probing the defense to find an open teammate, Rice looked in full command. Her ability to control tempo and create opportunities was a major reason the Bruins were able to build and maintain a sizable lead.
But this wasn’t a one-player show. The Bruins’ starting five brought energy and cohesion, walking onto the court with the kind of chemistry you can’t fake. Every possession felt connected - a team playing with purpose, not just talent.
Angela Dugalic brought the spark that every great team needs. The forward’s celebration after a made shot wasn’t just about the scoreboard - it was about momentum. Her emotion lifted the crowd and her teammates, fueling a second-half push that left Iowa scrambling for answers.
Defensively, UCLA made life tough for the Hawkeyes. They closed out hard on shooters, fought through screens, and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities. That two-way effort is what separates good teams from great ones - and on this night, UCLA looked every bit the latter.
Pauley Pavilion was rocking, and for good reason. The Bruins didn’t just beat a conference opponent - they made a statement. With the Big Ten race heating up, performances like this one send a message to the rest of the league: UCLA isn’t just here to compete - they’re here to win.