Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament 2024: Schedule, Bracket & Odds

The Substantial Ten women’s basketball tournament is underway at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, showcasing a conference brimming with talent and competitive fire. While UCLA has already secured the regular season championship and a likely No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the tournament itself promises a thrilling battle for automatic qualification and seeding implications for several teams.

UCLA’s dominant performance throughout the regular season – achieving a perfect conference record – has established them as the clear favorite. Their success signals a recent era for the program and solidifies their position as a national contender. However, the tournament environment often breeds upsets, and the Bruins will need to maintain their focus against a field of determined opponents.

Iowa, seeded second, is navigating the post-Caitlin Clark and Lisa Bluder era with impressive resilience. Under Jan Jensen, the Hawkeyes have demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level, recently achieving a notable three-game winning streak against top-15 opponents. This momentum positions them as a serious threat in the tournament, capable of making a deep run.

USC, despite a 17-12 overall record, presents a complex case. The Trojans have struggled in the absence of star player JuJu Watkins, but have shown flashes of potential, including a January victory over Iowa. Freshman Jazzy Davidson has emerged as a key player for USC, leading the team in major statistical categories and establishing herself as a potential Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season has been the resurgence of Minnesota. After a long absence from the NCAA Tournament, dating back to 2018, the Gophers are not only poised to return to the Big Dance but are also projected to host a first-round game for the first time since 2005. Securing the No. 4 seed in the Big Ten tournament grants them a valuable double-bye, providing a favorable path through the bracket.

Women’s Basketball Big Ten Tournament Results & Schedule

Wednesday, March 4 – First Round

Game 1: No. 13 Indiana 72, No. 12 Nebraska 69
Game 2: No. 10 Illinois 82, No. 15 Wisconsin 70
Game 3: No. 11 Oregon 82, No. 14 Purdue 64

Thursday, March 5 – Second Round

Game 4: No. 8 Washington 76, No. 9 USC 64
Game 5: No. 5 Ohio State 83, No. 13 Indiana 59
Game 6: No. 10 Illinois 71, No. 7 Michigan State 69
Game 7: No. 11 Oregon 73, No. 6 Maryland 68

Friday, March 6 – Quarterfinals

Game 8: No. 8 Washington vs. No. 1 UCLA – 12 p.m. (BTN)
Game 9: No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Minnesota – 25 min. After Game 8 (BTN)
Game 10: No. 10 Illinois vs. No. 2 Iowa – 6:30 p.m. (BTN)
Game 11: No. 11 Oregon vs. No. 3 Michigan – 25 min. After Game 10 (BTN)

Saturday, March 7 – Semifinals

Game 12: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner – 2 p.m. (BTN)
Game 13: Game 10 winner vs. Game 11 winner – 4:30 p.m. (BTN)

Sunday, March 8 – Championship

Title game: Game 12 winner vs. Game 13 winner – 2:15 p.m. (CBS)

Big Ten Tournament Odds

Odds as of March 2 via DraftKings

UCLA: -295
Michigan: +400
Iowa: +1100
Minnesota: +1400
Maryland: +1900
Michigan State: +3000
Ohio State: +3500
USC: +6000

As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only increase. For teams like Minnesota and Oregon, a strong showing could significantly boost their NCAA Tournament seeding and potentially secure hosting rights for the first round. For others, the tournament represents a final opportunity to produce a statement and solidify their place in the national conversation. The coming days in Indianapolis will undoubtedly deliver compelling basketball and shape the landscape of women’s college basketball as March Madness approaches.