No. 2 UCLA Dominates No. 8 Iowa 88-65 to Extend 15-Game Win Streak
The No. 2-ranked UCLA women’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance Sunday, defeating No. 8 Iowa 88-65 at Pauley Pavilion to extend its winning streak to 15 consecutive games. The Bruins improved to 21-1 overall and remain undefeated in Big Ten play at 11-0.
Dugalic Leads Balanced Scoring Attack
Graduate forward Angela Dugalic led all scorers with a season-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, also recording a career-high five steals. The balanced UCLA women’s basketball offense was on full display, with Kiki Rice contributing 17 points and seven assists, while Lauren Betts added 16 points in the paint. Charlisse Leger-Walker finished with 10 points and five assists.
“I’m thrilled for Angela getting a career-high today, but what I’m happy about most is how many different people are stepping up,” UCLA head coach Cori Close said. “We’ve got plenty of weapons.”
UCLA Dominates from Opening Minutes
The Bruins controlled the game from the start, taking a 17-13 lead after the first quarter and never trailing. UCLA built a 39-28 halftime advantage while shooting 54.8 percent from the floor. The decisive moment came in the third quarter when the Bruins went on an 11-0 run to put the game out of reach, leading 62-45 entering the fourth quarter.
UCLA shot 57.8 percent overall, made 6 of 12 three-pointers, and dominated the paint with 56 points to Iowa’s 26. The Bruins assisted on 29 of their 37 made baskets, demonstrating sharp ball movement and execution.
Iowa’s Struggles Continue
For the Iowa women’s basketball program, the loss marked the second defeat in their Los Angeles trip. The Hawkeyes fell to 18-4 overall and 9-2 in Big Ten play after also losing to USC 81-69 on Thursday. Ava Heiden led Iowa with 19 points, and Hannah Stuelke added 13, but the Hawkeyes couldn’t overcome UCLA’s early dominance. Taylor Stremlow contributed 12 points for Iowa.
The Hawkeyes fell behind by double digits midway through the second quarter and never mounted a serious comeback threat. Iowa shot 43.4 percent from the field.
Big Ten Title Race Takes Shape
With the victory, UCLA maintains its one-game lead over No. 9 Michigan in the Big Ten standings. The Bruins are now 10-0 at home and have won both matchups against Iowa since moving to the Big Ten last season. This marked UCLA’s eighth victory this season against a ranked opponent.
The Bruins will host Rutgers on Wednesday, while Iowa travels to Minnesota on Thursday.
