UCLA Dominates South Carolina to Win First Women’s NCAA Championship

The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball 79–51 to claim the program’s first NCAA women’s basketball championship. The title game took place in Phoenix, where UCLA controlled the contest from start to finish.

Bruins Take Control Early

UCLA started the game with intensity and never let up. The team set the tone early with aggressive defense and efficient scoring. As a result, the Bruins built a steady lead and carried a 13-point advantage into halftime.

At the same time, South Carolina struggled to find rhythm. UCLA’s defense held the Gamecocks to just 26% shooting in the first half, including 1-for-8 from three-point range. Consequently, the defending contenders fell behind and could not recover.

Dominant Third Quarter Decides the Game

After halftime, UCLA increased its intensity. The Bruins opened the third quarter with a strong run and pushed the lead to 22 points, the largest deficit South Carolina had faced all season.

Moreover, UCLA outscored South Carolina by 16 points in the third quarter alone. According to ESPN, this marked the largest margin for a single quarter in women’s championship game history. Therefore, the game effectively slipped out of reach for the Gamecocks.

Depth and Defense Lead UCLA

Despite a brief setback, UCLA remained composed. Lauren Betts spent time on the bench due to a throat issue. However, the Bruins relied on their depth and defensive strength to maintain control.

Betts returned to finish with a double-double, recording 14 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Gabriela Jaquez led the team with 21 points and also posted a double-double. In addition, every UCLA starter scored in double figures, highlighting the team’s balanced attack.

Emotional Finish and Historic Achievement

As the final seconds ticked away, UCLA players celebrated a historic moment. Head coach Cori Close shared an emotional embrace with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.

With the win, UCLA finished the season at 37–1 and extended its winning streak to a program-record 31 games. Furthermore, the team became only the second Big Ten program to win the women’s NCAA title, joining Purdue in 1998.

Players Reflect on the Victory

Jaquez emphasized that winning a championship had always been the team’s goal. She expressed pride in achieving that vision alongside her teammates.

Betts, who earned Most Outstanding Player honors for the 2026 tournament, also reflected on her journey. She explained that basketball has helped her grow and given her a platform to inspire others.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, UCLA’s dominant performance marked a turning point for the program. With a historic title secured and a talented roster in place, the Bruins now look ahead to building a lasting legacy in women’s college basketball.

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