The UCLA Bruins secured their first NCAA women's basketball national championship in program history with a dominant 79-51 victory over South Carolina on Sunday. Gabriela Jaquez scored 21 points and Lauren Betts added 16, leading the Bruins through a season marked by determination after losing in the first Final Four last year.
Key Takeaways
The UCLA Bruins won their first NCAA women's basketball national championship by defeating South Carolina 79-51 on Sunday. Key players Gabriela Jaquez and Lauren Betts led the team to victory.
- UCLA secured its first NCAA women's basketball title with a dominant win over South Carolina
- Gabriela Jaquez scored 21 points, while Lauren Betts added 16 points and earned Most Outstanding Player honors
- The Bruins' only loss this season was in November to Texas, which they avenged in the Final Four
- Head coach Cori Close celebrated her first national championship after 15 seasons with UCLA
The Bruins' journey was characterized by their near-record lopsided victory, completing an impressive run through March Madness. UCLA's only loss this season came in November to Texas, and they avenged it with a 51-44 win over the Longhorns in the Final Four.
The Bruins' defense was anchored by Betts, who finished with 11 rebounds. UCLA's offense had an easier time than in their semifinal game, scoring more than 20 points in the opening 10 minutes against South Carolina.
Jaquez played all four years with the Bruins and also had 10 rebounds and five assists in front of her brother Jaime, who plays for the Miami Heat. The victory marked a historic moment for head coach Cori Close, who has been at UCLA for 15 seasons. Close was mentored by legendary Bruins men's coach John Wooden and has turned the program into a perennial postseason contender.
The championship game loss was the second straight for the Gamecocks, who won the title in 2024. South Carolina's Dawn Staley and her team will be favored to return to the game's biggest stage with a talented group of expected returnees. The Bruins' win completed their journey through March Madness, showcasing their resilience and determination.
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