Big Ten women's basketball report: USC takes over No. 1 spot, still no word about Northwestern's postponed games
The league's biggest regular-season matchup won by the Women of Troy but the rematch against UCLA is March 2; conference remains mum on the two postponed games
How the Big Ten shakes out with two weeks left in the regular season:
USC
Round 1 went to the Women of Troy. In the showdown for the top spot in the standings and who would rule Los Angeles until the March 2 rematch, USC is the Big Ten’s best team after knocking off UCLA. JuJu Watkins was terrific, scoring 38 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, recording a career-high eight blocked shots and five assists. The blocked shots were equally impressive as Watkins’ six 3-pointers and scoring total. Her teammates were a combined 0 of 25 in the second and third quarters, but Watkins picked them up to secure the program’s first win over a No. 1 team since 1993. She likely won Big Ten Player of the Year - and probably National Player of the Year - regardless of what happens in the second game between the teams. The Women of Troy needed a big second half to escape Washington. Wednesday vs. Michigan State, 9:30 p.m. (Peacock); Sunday vs. Illinois, 4 p.m. (Fox Sports 1).
UCLA
What would the response be after seeing its 23-game winning streak snapped? The Bruins bounced back against Michigan State on Sunday without superstar center Lauren Betts, who is out with a foot injury. They missed Betts more defensively, but Janiah Barker, Kiki Rice, and Timea Gardiner combined for 52 points, and UCLA scored 22 points in the fourth quarter. Gardiner made four 3-pointers as the Bruins showed off their depth. Thursday vs. Illinois, 9:30 p.m. (BTN); Sunday at Iowa, 2 p.m. (Peacock).
OHIO STATE
Back-to-back overtime wins after two straight losses to UCLA and USC nearly locked up the No. 3 spot in the conference standings. The Buckeyes outlasted Minnesota and Iowa in its last two games, letting big leads slip away before prevailing in overtime. They led the Golden Gophers by 14 in the last three minutes and held a 12-point advantage against the Hawkeyes. It’s a bad habit. The Buckeyes are still getting outrebounded but make up for it in other areas. Thursday at Indiana, 7 p.m. (Peacock); Sunday vs. Purdue, noon (BTN).
ILLINOIS
A program-record eight consecutive Big Ten victories propel the Fighting Illini to the West Coast to face UCLA and USC. With limited numbers, Illinois continues to win and take care of business. Senior Adalia McKenzie scored 18 points on Sunday against Nebraska after totaling 19 points in Thursday’s win over Penn State. Thursday at UCLA, 9:30 p.m. (BTN); Sunday at USC, 4 p.m. (Fox Sports 1).
MICHIGAN STATE
Missed opportunity with Betts sidelined for the Spartans to earn a marquee victory over UCLA, which used a 7-0 run to seal Sunday’s win. The No. 4 seed is still within reach since MSU owns the tiebreaker against Illinois. Will need a similar performance in its next game. Wednesday at USC, 9:30 p.m. (Peacock); Sunday vs. Indiana, 2 p.m. (BTN)
MARYLAND
Too much inconsistency this late in the season for the Terrapins, who outlasted Michigan on Monday after getting drilled by Nebraska last week. Point guard Shyanne Sellers needed help leaving Monday’s game but avoided her second knee injury. Sellers is the first player in program history to record 1,500 points, 500 assists, and 500 rebounds. Thursday at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m. (BTN)
MICHIGAN
Had its four-game winning streak snapped on Monday after holding a double-digit lead against Maryland. Allowed 36 points in the paint in the loss, a problem area for the Wolverines, who have the perimeter players but lack size inside. Saturday vs. Penn State, noon (BTN).
OREGON
Scored over 70 points for the first time in 2025 during Sunday’s win at Minnesota. Deja Kelly and Elisa Mevius combined for 39 points as the Ducks shot 46.2% and committed just six turnovers. Chance to finish in the upper half of the conference based on the remaining schedule. Wednesday at Nebraska, 8 p.m. (B1G+); Sunday vs. Rutgers, 5 p.m. (B1G+).
INDIANA
Continued the domination over in-state rival Purdue with its 12th straight win in the series. The Hoosiers try to avoid playing on the first day of the Big Ten tournament, but three consecutive games against ranked teams will determine their fate. Thursday vs. Ohio State, 7 p.m. (Peacock); Sunday at Michigan State, 2 p.m. (BTN).
IOWA
Scored 53 second-half points on Monday and trailed by 12 in the final 90 seconds to force overtime at Ohio State but outscored 12-4 in overtime to snap a six-game winning streak. Committed 20 turnovers. Lucy Olsen scored 27 points in her second straight game. Sunday vs. UCLA, 2 p.m. (Peacock).
NEBRASKA
The one Big Ten team no one can figure out. Smashed Maryland on the road by 20 points after getting manhandled by Indiana, Michigan and Iowa. Lost at Illinois and freshman Britt Prince exited the court on crutches after suffering a foot injury. Wednesday vs. Oregon, 8 p.m. (B1G+); Sunday vs. Washington, 3 p.m. (B1G+).
MINNESOTA
Before playing Ohio State and Oregon, the Golden Gophers averaged 10.5 turnovers. They committed a combined 38 in their last two games while losing twice by nine points. The Buckeyes and the Ducks scored 53 points off those turnovers. Wednesday at Purdue, 7 p.m. (B1G+).
WASHINGTON
Held USC to 23 first-half points but couldn’t keep Watkins and the Women of Troy down after halftime. Four-game losing streak at the wrong time of the season while still trying to secure an NCAA tournament berth. Thursday vs. Rutgers, 9 p.m. (B1G+); Sunday at Nebraska, 3 p.m. (B1G+).
WISCONSIN
Of the bottom five teams, the Badgers are in the best position to wrap up a spot in the Big Ten tournament when Northwestern comes to Madison later this week. Sunday vs. Northwestern, 3 p.m. (B1G+).
RUTGERS
A damaging home loss to Northwestern on Monday before traveling to Washington and Oregon. Time is running out. Thursday at Washington, 9 p.m. (B1G+); Sunday at Oregon, 5 p.m. (B1G+).
PURDUE
Since the Boilermakers are no-shows on the road, winning their final two home games (Minnesota and Indiana) is the only chance to qualify for the conference tournament. Wednesday vs. Minnesota, 7 p.m. (B1G+); Sunday at Ohio State, noon (BTN).
NORTHWESTERN
Monday’s win at Rutgers vaults the Wildcats into the league tournament conversation, something the Big Ten has demonstrated it doesn’t want to deal with. The league hasn’t announced a decision on the two postponed games in Los Angeles from earlier in the season. The Wildcats hold the No. 15 and final spot based on a better winning percentage than Purdue. The conference can’t stay silent much longer. The Big Ten hasn’t responded to an email request for comment in over a week. Thursday vs. Maryland, 7:30 p.m. (BTN); Sunday at Wisconsin, 3 p.m. (B1G+).
PENN STATE
Another 20 turnover game in Sunday’s loss to Wisconsin. Needs a three-game winning streak to sneak into the Big Ten tournament. Saturday at Michigan, noon (BTN).