In a thrilling quarterfinal matchup at the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, the No. 2 seed UCLA Bruins faced off against the No. 10 seed Nebraska Cornhuskers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Bruins emerged victorious with an 85-74 win, marking their inaugural appearance in the Big Ten Tournament.
UCLA’s junior center, Lauren Betts, delivered a standout performance, achieving a double-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks. This game marked her 17th double-double of the season, underscoring her dominance in the paint. Junior guard Gabriela Jaquez also shined, contributing a season-high 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting, including three crucial three-pointers. Her offensive prowess was instrumental in maintaining UCLA’s lead throughout the game.
The Bruins started strong, amassing 27 points in the first quarter—their highest single-quarter score since February 20 against Illinois. However, the Cornhuskers responded with resilience in the second quarter, initiating a 7-0 run that narrowed UCLA’s lead to three points. Nebraska briefly seized the lead with just over a minute remaining in the first half, but UCLA reclaimed a two-point advantage heading into halftime.
Nebraska’s freshman guard, Britt Prince, matched her career-high with 24 points and dished out six assists, showcasing her potential as a rising star. Senior center Alexis Markowski added 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks in her final conference tournament game, concluding a distinguished Big Ten Tournament career that included 150 points and a school-record 103 rebounds over 11 games.
Despite shooting 48.4% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc, Nebraska struggled to contain UCLA’s offensive firepower. The Bruins capitalized on their size and strength, outrebounding the Cornhuskers 39-27 and converting 82.6% of their free throws. UCLA’s defensive tenacity was evident, forcing 15 turnovers and limiting Nebraska’s scoring opportunities in critical moments.
This victory propels UCLA into the semifinals, where they will face either No. 3 seed Ohio State or No. 11 seed Iowa. The Bruins aim to continue their impressive season, building on their 28-2 overall record and solidifying their status as a formidable force in the Big Ten.
For Nebraska, the focus shifts to the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on March 16, where they hope their 21-11 record and strong tournament performance will earn them a coveted spot in the national tournament.
