Everyone thought the post-Caitlin Clark era would be a quiet one for the Hawkeyes. They were wrong. When you look at the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball vs UCLA Bruins women's basketball matchup from this past February, you realize exactly how high the stakes have become in the "new" Big Ten. This wasn't just a mid-winter conference game. It was a statement. UCLA, a powerhouse arriving from the Pac-12 with all the glitz of Hollywood, walked into a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena and barely escaped with their lives.
Honestly, the atmosphere in Iowa City hasn't dimmed one bit. 14,998 people showed up. They weren't there for a legacy act; they were there because Jan Jensen has kept this engine humming.
The Heartbreak at Carver: A Game of Inches
On February 23, 2025, the scoreboard read UCLA 67, Iowa 65. That two-point margin feels like a crater when you’re a Hawkeye fan. Iowa led for a good chunk of that game, especially during a blistering second quarter where they outscored the Bruins 24-15. But UCLA has Lauren Betts. At 6-foot-7, she’s basically a walking double-double and a defensive nightmare.
Betts finished that game with 22 points and 12 rebounds. She was the anchor. But it was Elina Aarnisalo who actually broke Iowa’s heart. With only 3.8 seconds left on the clock, the freshman coolly sank two free throws to seal the comeback win for the Bruins.
Iowa had their chances. Hannah Stuelke was a force, proving she can be "the woman" in the post even against elite size. But the Bruins' depth is just different. They’ve got Kiki Rice running the point and a bench that goes eight or nine deep without a drop-off in talent.
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Why This Rivalry is Different Now
We used to talk about these teams in different time zones. Not anymore. With UCLA and USC joining the Big Ten, the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball vs UCLA Bruins women's basketball game is now a recurring nightmare—or dream, depending on who you root for.
- Physicality: The Big Ten has always been a "bruiser" league. UCLA brought that West Coast speed, but they had to learn to play in the mud at Iowa.
- Recruiting Wars: Both Jan Jensen and Cori Close are fighting over the same five-star guards now.
- The Travel Factor: UCLA flying to the Midwest in February is a literal cold shock to the system.
It’s kinda wild to think about how much the landscape has shifted. A few years ago, this was a rare non-conference treat. Now? It’s a game that determines who gets a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
Breaking Down the Rosters
UCLA came into the 2024-25 season as the hunted. They were ranked No. 3 in the nation during that February clash. They have a roster that looks like a WNBA farm team. Lauren Betts is the obvious star, but Kiki Rice is the engine. Rice is one of the best ball-handlers the Hawkeyes have had to face in years, and her ability to get into the paint creates open looks for shooters like Londynn Jones.
Iowa, meanwhile, redefined itself. Lucy Olsen, the transfer from Villanova, stepped into a massive void and did so with an incredible amount of poise. She wasn't trying to be Caitlin Clark; she was just being Lucy. She led the team in scoring for much of the season and showed that Iowa's offensive system—the "Jan Jensen special"—works regardless of who is wearing the jersey.
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Key Stats from the Recent Matchup
The box score tells a story of two very different styles. Iowa shot 35.3% from beyond the arc, staying true to their identity as a perimeter-threat team. UCLA? They dominated the glass, 43 to 34. That rebounding margin is usually where Iowa struggles against the true "giants" of the game.
- UCLA Field Goal %: 42.1%
- Iowa Field Goal %: 36.7%
- Turnovers: Iowa only had 8, which is elite. UCLA had 14.
- Points in the Paint: This is where Betts lived.
The "New" Big Ten Reality
UCLA eventually went on to win the Big Ten Tournament in 2025, beating USC in a thriller. Iowa finished the season 23-11. Some might call that a "down" year for the Hawkeyes, but let’s be real—winning 23 games and taking the No. 3 team in the country to the final four seconds is anything but a failure.
The rivalry between the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball vs UCLA Bruins women's basketball programs is built on mutual respect and totally opposite vibes. You have the blue-blood tradition of UCLA meets the cult-like, sell-out-every-game passion of Iowa. It’s the best thing to happen to women’s basketball since the three-point line.
Honestly, if you aren't watching these two teams, you're missing the highest level of the sport. The tactical battle between Cori Close’s defensive schemes and Jensen’s high-octane motion offense is a masterclass every single time they step on the floor.
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What to Watch for Next
If you’re looking at future matchups, keep an eye on the freshman classes. Both schools are pulling in top-10 talent. The gap between the "established" powers and the "newcomers" has evaporated. Iowa is no longer just a "shooting" team; they are getting more athletic. UCLA is no longer just a "fast" team; they are becoming more disciplined.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 2025-26 Schedule: The Big Ten usually releases the full conference slate in late summer. Mark the Iowa-UCLA date in red ink.
- Follow the Transfer Portal: With players moving more than ever, the rosters for the next Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball vs UCLA Bruins women's basketball game could look vastly different by November.
- Secure Tickets Early: Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Pauley Pavilion are both seeing record-high demand. Don't wait until the week of the game.
- Watch the Post-Game Pressers: Both Jan Jensen and Cori Close are incredibly transparent about their strategies. It’s a great way to learn the "game within the game."
The era of Iowa being a one-person show is over. What’s left is a gritty, high-IQ basketball team that refuses to go away. And UCLA? They've officially arrived in the Midwest. Things are just getting started.