UCLA Wins First NCAA Women's Basketball Title with 79-51 Victory Over South Carolina

UCLA secured its first NCAA women's basketball national championship with a 79-51 victory over South Carolina on Sunday in Phoenix. The game followed a 66-61 semifinal win against Texas on Friday, where UCLA advanced to the title game. The Bruins finished the season with a 37-1 record in the fifth Final Four featuring all four No. 1 seeds.

In the championship game, UCLA led throughout and pulled away decisively. Seniors scored all 130 points during the Final Four. Starters, including Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, exited with more than three minutes remaining. Gabriela Jaquez scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Betts added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

UCLA's roster included seven seniors, four of whom transferred from other programs. Lauren Betts, a 6-foot-7 center, transferred from Stanford before the 2023-24 season. Forward Angela Dugalic transferred from Oregon, Charlisse Leger-Walker from Washington State, and guard Gianna Kneepkens from Utah.

Megan Grant, a senior who previously played softball at UCLA, joined the basketball team this season with approval from the softball staff.

Gabriela Jaquez, a Southern California native, fulfilled a childhood dream of playing for UCLA. Kiki Rice joined UCLA in 2022 as the No. 2 recruit in the country. Betts had been the No. 1 recruit heading to Stanford that year, positioning them as potential Pac-12 rivals before becoming teammates.

UCLA coach Cori Close has led the program for 15 seasons. The team reached the NCAA tournament from 2016 to 2024 but advanced past the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight only six times during that period. This season's success elevated the program to the national title.

Betts took a mental health break during her first season at UCLA after transferring from Stanford in 2023, where she played one year. The break followed challenges that affected her confidence.

“This program has changed my life in the best way possible. I'm forever grateful for UCLA. It's the best decision I ever made.”

Betts highlighted the team's support during tough times. Rice noted the significance of contributing to UCLA's legacy at Pauley Pavilion, where retired jerseys and past championship banners are displayed. The Bruins also won the Pac-12 conference championship this season.

The victory ends South Carolina's three-time championship run. UCLA's title adds to its athletic history, with the basketball program now holding one national championship banner.