UCLA Dominates South Carolina to Secure Historic NCAA Women's Basketball Championship
PHOENIX — Mission accomplished for UCLA as they etched their name in history.
Gabriela Jaquez and Lauren Betts led the charge, securing the Bruins' inaugural NCAA women’s basketball national championship with a decisive 79-51 victory over South Carolina on Sunday. This triumph comes after a heart-wrenching loss in last year's Final Four, fueling their determination.
“I knew we were going to do it. Coming to UCLA, we all set out for a goal, and I imagined this moment,” Jaquez expressed, her voice filled with emotion. “Crying a lot, the confetti, all of the fans being here to support us, my family being here, it just means everything.”
The Bruins’ near-record victory capped off an impressive March Madness run, with their only blemish being a loss to Texas in November. Coach Cori Close reflected on the journey, stating, “It’s immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine. It’s beyond my wildest dreams.”
UCLA (37-1) showcased their depth and talent, with Jaquez contributing 21 points, while Betts added 16 alongside 11 rebounds. The senior class, including Jaquez who has been with the program for four years, celebrated this monumental achievement in front of family and friends.
Close’s strategic blend of high school recruits and transfer portal players proved effective, as they scored all points in the championship game. “Connectivity. Attention to detail,” she noted, emphasizing the character that propelled them to success. “All year we’ve been saying the talent is our floor, but our character will determine our ceiling.”
This championship marks UCLA's first since the 1978 AIAW title, a precursor to the NCAA tournament established in 1982. Meanwhile, South Carolina faced their second consecutive championship game defeat after winning the title in 2024. Coach Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks (36-4) are expected to return strong next season with key players like Joyce Edwards and Agot Makeer.
Defensively, UCLA was relentless, mirroring their performance in the semifinal against Texas. Betts exited the game with 3:45 remaining, receiving a heartfelt hug from Close after being named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
“UCLA is a quality team with very experienced players who got a taste of being in the Final Four last year,” Staley acknowledged. “They played more determined this year because they were so close.”
Offensively, the Bruins found their rhythm early, surpassing their first-half total from the semifinal within just ten minutes against South Carolina. Kiki Rice’s buzzer-beater three-pointer at the end of the first quarter set the tone for a commanding lead.
By halftime, UCLA had extended their advantage to 36-23, effectively controlling both ends of the court. The third quarter saw them pull away decisively with a 12-3 run, leaving South Carolina unable to mount a comeback.
“We just didn’t have it today,” Staley admitted. “They were the better team.”
Despite avoiding the record for the most lopsided loss in championship history, South Carolina struggled offensively, marking their worst shooting performance of the season against a formidable UCLA squad.
Raven Johnson, another senior for South Carolina, succinctly stated, “The score speaks for itself.”
Close’s connection to UCLA runs deep; mentored by legendary coach John Wooden during her early career, she has embraced his principles of character and success. “Coach Wooden always said, ‘You got to do it the way you’re wired to do it,’” she recalled.
The Bruins’ victory not only signifies a historic achievement but also sets a new standard for excellence in women’s college basketball.
