February just began, but in college basketball, it only means the calendar is that much closer to March, and the Big Ten race is heating up.
Four of the conference’s top five teams squared off Sunday, with first-place UCLA cruising past third-place Iowa in Los Angeles. More than 2,200 miles northeast at the Breslin Center, second-place Michigan got the better of fifth-place Michigan State. The Big Ten has not won a women’s basketball national championship since Purdue in 1999, but the league may be in its strongest position yet to contend for the crown in 2026.
No. 9 Michigan wins in-state battle over No. 13 Michigan State in OT
No. 9 Michigan outlasted No. 13 Michigan State, 94-91, in overtime Sunday, surviving a frantic finish to claim a hard-fought rivalry win at Crisler Center.
Michigan seized control in the extra period behind Olivia Olson, who scored five points in overtime as the Wolverines finally created separation in a game that featured constant momentum swings. Syla Swords added a crucial basket inside, and Michigan sealed the win at the free-throw line after Michigan State was forced to foul late.
The Spartans sent the game to overtime when Kennedy Blair knocked down a jumper with five seconds remaining in regulation, tying the score at 81 after Swords had briefly put Michigan ahead. Michigan State erased multiple second-half deficits behind steady scoring from Jalyn Brown and Grace VanSlooten, keeping the pressure on throughout the fourth quarter.
Michigan took a narrow lead into halftime before stretching the margin early in the third quarter behind Mila Holloway’s interior scoring. The Spartans answered with defensive stops and timely baskets to force another tight finish.
In overtime, Michigan’s composure proved decisive. The Wolverines capitalized on turnovers, controlled the glass and made just enough plays down the stretch to secure the 94-91 victory in the in-state showdown.
🔥 That was a MONSTER finish x 🎥 FS1 /
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB)
No. 2 UCLA overwhelms No. 8 Iowa 88-65
Turning an early grind into a runaway, the Bruins led just 17-13 after the first quarter before steadily taking control in the second, closing the half on an 11-2 run to build a 39-28 advantage. UCLA’s size and depth began to wear down Iowa, with Angela DugaliÄ dropping 22 points and snatching five steals. Five total Bruins scored in double figures Sunday, showing off the balanced scoring this team will need to threaten the blue bloods late in March.
UCLA blew the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Iowa 23-17 while repeatedly capitalizing on turnovers and second-chance opportunities. Betts scored consistently inside, and the Bruins pushed the lead past 20 midway through the period, taking a 62-45 cushion into the fourth.
The Hawkeyes struggled to keep pace as UCLA continued to rotate fresh bodies and attack downhill. For Iowa, Ava Heiden led the effort with 19 points, and the Hawkeyes had four players in double digits themselves, but shooting 23.7 percent from outside the arc, compared to the Bruins' 50%, hurt any chances of making a serious push.
UCLA put the game away early in the fourth, stretching the margin beyond 30 before emptying the bench late. The Bruins controlled the glass, forced Iowa into a steady stream of turnovers, 19 total, and cruised to the 88-65 victory in a statement performance against a top-10 opponent.
⚠️ Sheesh! That was filthy x 🎥 FOX /
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB)
