Honestly, if you missed the last time the UCLA Bruins women's basketball vs Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball matchup hit the hardwood, you missed a masterclass in modern hoops. We aren't talking about the Caitlin Clark era anymore. That ship has sailed. What we have now is something arguably more interesting: a chess match between a UCLA squad that looks like a literal brick wall and an Iowa team trying to prove there is life—and plenty of scoring—after the greatest player in program history moved on to the WNBA.
The most recent showdown at Pauley Pavilion on February 1, 2026, wasn't just another conference game. It was a statement. UCLA entered the night ranked No. 4 in the nation, looking every bit like a championship favorite. Iowa, sitting at No. 14, came in with a chip on their shoulder the size of the state of Illinois.
People expected a blowout. They didn't get one.
The Towering Presence of Lauren Betts
You cannot talk about UCLA Bruins women's basketball vs Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball without starting in the paint. Lauren Betts is 6-foot-7 of pure problem. In their latest meeting, she didn't just play; she looms. She ended the night with 22 points and 12 rebounds, but the box score doesn't show the eight or nine times Iowa guards drove into the lane, saw her wingspan, and immediately noped their way back to the three-point line.
Jan Jensen, who took over the Iowa reins from Lisa Bluder, has been vocal about how hard it is to game-plan for a human skyscraper. "You can't teach 6-7," she basically told reporters post-game. And she's right. UCLA coach Cori Close has built this team around that vertical advantage.
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But here’s what people get wrong about this UCLA team. It’s not just the Betts show. Kiki Rice has evolved into one of the most disciplined floor generals in the country. She’s not flashy for the sake of a highlight reel. She’s surgical. In the fourth quarter against Iowa, when the Hawkeyes cut the lead to four, Rice didn't panic. She milked the clock, drew the double team, and zipped a pass to Gianna Kneepkens for a dagger three.
How Iowa Kept it Close (Without 22)
Everyone wondered what Iowa would look like once the No. 22 jersey was retired. The answer? Faster. More democratic.
Hannah Stuelke is the heartbeat of this new-look Hawkeye squad. She’s 6-2 but plays like she’s 6-10. Against UCLA’s massive frontline, Stuelke was relentless, finishing with 18 points. She doesn't have the luxury of standing outside and launching 30-footers, so she has to work for every single inch of space.
Then there’s the freshman sensation, Addie Deal. Entering the UCLA Bruins women's basketball vs Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball rivalry as a highly touted recruit, she showed zero fear. Most freshmen see the four letters U-C-L-A and get happy feet. Deal? She was pulling up in transition and barking orders at the veterans.
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- Iowa’s Strategy: They tried to pull Lauren Betts away from the rim by using Ava Heiden as a floor-spacer. It worked... sometimes.
- The Transition Game: Iowa outscored UCLA 14-6 on fast-break points. They know they can't beat the Bruins in a slow, half-court grinding match.
- The X-Factor: Kylie Feuerbach’s defensive intensity. She was glued to Kiki Rice all night, making every dribble an adventure.
The Big Ten Realignment Impact
It’s still sorta weird seeing UCLA and Iowa as regular conference foes, isn't it? The travel is brutal. The Bruins flying to Iowa City or the Hawkeyes trekking to LA used to be a rare "non-con" treat. Now, it’s the bread and butter of the Big Ten schedule.
This shift has changed the recruiting landscape. Before, a kid from the Midwest might only see UCLA on TV in March. Now, they're playing in Pauley Pavilion every other year. You can see the influence of this in the rosters. UCLA has started leaning into more "Big Ten style" physicality, while Iowa has had to recruit more speed to keep up with the West Coast pace.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The final score of 67-65 in favor of the Bruins tells a story of efficiency versus volume. UCLA shot 42% from the floor, which isn't world-beating, but they dominated the glass. They won the rebounding battle by a margin of 43 to 34. In a two-point game, those nine extra possessions are the entire game.
Iowa actually shot better from deep. They hit 35% of their threes compared to UCLA’s dismal 20%. If you're an Iowa fan, that’s the stat you point to. "If we had just grabbed two more boards," you'll say over a tenderloin sandwich. But UCLA’s length is designed to make those "easy" rebounds impossible.
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Key Individual Stats from the Recent Matchup
Lauren Betts (UCLA): 22 pts, 12 reb, 3 blk
Hannah Stuelke (Iowa): 18 pts, 9 reb
Kiki Rice (UCLA): 12 pts, 5 ast
Addie Deal (Iowa): 11 pts, 4 stl
What to Watch for Next Time
If you're looking for an edge the next time these two meet, keep an eye on the health of Sienna Betts. Lauren’s younger sister is a force in her own right, and when the "Betts Towers" are on the floor together, it’s basically unfair. Iowa will need Ava Heiden to continue her development into a true perimeter threat to keep the floor spaced.
Iowa’s backcourt is also getting more comfortable with the "Chit-Chat" Wright and Taylor Stremlow rotation. Their chemistry is growing. By the time the Big Ten Tournament rolls around, that backcourt might be the most improved unit in the conference.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you are following this rivalry closely, here is how you should evaluate the next game:
- Watch the First 5 Minutes: If UCLA establishes a paint presence early, Iowa usually struggles to catch up. Iowa needs to hit at least two early threes to force UCLA to stretch their defense.
- Check the Rebound Margin: Don't just look at the score. If UCLA is +5 on the boards by halftime, they are likely going to grind out a win.
- The "Home" Factor: Traveling from the Midwest to LA is a documented drag on shooting percentages. Iowa’s shooters often struggle in the first quarter at Pauley.
- Foul Trouble is King: Since UCLA relies so heavily on Lauren Betts, if she picks up two quick fouls, the entire game plan changes. Iowa purposefully attacks her early to try and get her to the bench.
The rivalry between the UCLA Bruins women's basketball vs Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball programs is just getting started. It’s a battle of identities. One team wants to beat you with size and discipline; the other wants to outrun you and outshoot you. In the new Big Ten, this is the matchup that will likely decide who gets a double-bye in the tournament.
To get the most out of the next game, track the "Points in the Paint" stat in real-time. If Iowa keeps that margin within 10 points, they have a massive chance at an upset. If UCLA dominates the interior, the Hawkeyes will need a legendary shooting night to stay alive. Use a live-tracking app to monitor the offensive rebounding percentages, as second-chance points have been the deciding factor in three of the last four meetings.