Who Has the Best Odds of Winning the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament?
The Big Ten conference houses 18 elite women's basketball teams. The grit, talent, and work ethic of these players is truly something special. Big Ten teams have been preparing for the conference tournament, which runs from March 4th to 18th. A champion will be crowned on Sunday and punch their ticket to the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Looking Back on the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game
On March 9th, 2025, the Big Ten Championship game featured the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans. This was a highly anticipated matchup, as it was both teams' first year in the Big Ten. Additionally, the rivalry between these California schools dates back a long time. USC, led by Juju Watkins, won the regular season title with a win over UCLA a few weeks prior. However, it was the Bruins that took over and got their revenge, winning 72-67. This was huge for the UCLA basketball program to come into a new conference and dominate. Can they win the title again this year?
Unpredictable Teams and Tough Competition
Although it looks like UCLA is the frontrunner for the conference title again, some Big Ten teams have what it takes to pull off an upset. Iowa women's basketball has been on fire this season, led by forward Ava Heiden. If Iowa and UCLA were to play each other, Heiden would be a great matchup for Lauren Betts in the paint. They haven't won a conference title since the Caitlin Clark era, which makes them hungrier than ever. Michigan has also been a team to watch coming into this tournament. Olivia Olson and Syla Swords have been combining their talents to take down teams like Ohio State and Maryland. If they catch fire, there's no telling how the game will end up. Another wild card team is the Minnesota Gophers. They are having a historic season, with a 22-7 record. They currently sit fourth in the Big Ten. The Gophers would have to play lights out to claim a conference title, but with players like Grace Grocholski, Mara Braun, and Amaya Battle, they definitely have what it takes.
NCAA Tournament Implications
UCLA, Iowa, and Michigan are almost guaranteed tickets to the NCAA tournament, which runs from March 18th through April 5th. UCLA has consistently ranked in the top five this season and has one of the top WNBA prospects, who is having a highlight season. It would be pretty hard to stop them. The last stop before the NCAA tournament for the Bruins would be to claim their second Big Ten conference title. They aren't going to let anyone stand in their way. Minnesota and Ohio State are both looking to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament, and strong performances in the Big Ten tournament would help them greatly. USC is without Juju Watkins this year and has faced struggles, but freshman guard Jazzy Davidson might be able to carry them into March Madness. Look for big-time performances from Lauren Betts of UCLA and Ava Heiden of Iowa during the Big Ten tournament this weekend, and be prepared for anything, even a major upset.
