UCLA Bruins guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (5) is defended by Iowa Hawkeyes guard Addie Deal (7) and guard Journey Houston (8) as she drives to the basket in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial on Feb 1, 2026.
The Big Ten revealed the full bracket for the 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday. And it was no surprise when UCLA women’s basketball was named the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
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The Bruins pulled off a perfect 18-0 run in Big Ten conference play for the first time in program history this season. UCLA joined the Big Ten last season and lost the regular season title to USC but then defeated the Trojans in the Big Ten Tournament championship later in the season.
Winning the conference tournament kickstarted a historic run through March Madness for UCLA, with the Bruins making it to their first Final Four in the NCAA era.
Now, UCLA will look to defend its Big Ten Tournament title before beginning the NCAA Tournament. The conference tournament will take place from March 4-8 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the USC Trojans during the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament final on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. UCLA defeated USC 72-67.
UCLA Could Go Head-to-Head With USC in the Big Ten Tournament
By clinching the No. 1 seed, the Bruins will only have to win three games to win the Big Ten Tournament title. The Bruins will start tournament play in the quarterfinals on Friday.
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Meanwhile, USC women’s basketball secured the No. 9 seed for the tournament after a posting a 9-9 conference record. USC will face No. 8 seed Washington on Thursday, and the winner will play UCLA.
This means there is a chance for the crosstown rivals to go head-to-head in the tournament. UCLA defeated USC in both regular season matchups this season, so the Trojans will be eager to take down the Bruins in the playoffs.
Who Could UCLA See In the Championship Game?
If UCLA manages to defeat USC, the Bruins will compete against either Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio State or Minnesota in the semi-finals. Based on regular season play, it is more likely UCLA will see Ohio State or Minnesota in Saturday’s game.
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In the championship game, UCLA could face Michigan State, Maryland, Iowa or Michigan. Iowa and Michigan are the higher seeds in the tournament, and the Wolverines put up a tough fight against the Bruins in a 66-69 loss on Feb. 8.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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