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

UCLA defeated South Carolina 79-51 to win the women's NCAA championship, marking the Bruins' first title in program history. The victory was fueled by a dominant defensive performance that held South Carolina to just 26% shooting in the first half. Standout players Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez both recorded double-doubles, with Betts earning tournament MVP honors. UCLA completed a 37-1 season with a 31-game winning streak. This win makes UCLA only the second Big Ten school to capture the women's NCAA title. Coach Cori Close and players celebrated the historic achievement emotionally.

UCLA secured its first women's NCAA basketball championship with a commanding 79-51 victory over South Carolina on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona.

Game Overview

Final score: UCLA 79, South Carolina 51.
UCLA led from start to finish, extending their win streak to 31 games.
South Carolina, the 2022 champion, was held to a season-low performance.

Defensive Excellence

UCLA's defense limited South Carolina to 26% shooting in the first half.
Gamecocks made only 1 of 8 three-point attempts in the first two quarters.
Bruins outscored South Carolina by 16 points in the third quarter, the largest margin in women's title-game history.

Key Player Contributions

Lauren Betts: 14 points, 11 rebounds (double-double), named tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
Gabriela Jaquez: 21 points, double-double.
All five UCLA starters scored in double figures.

Season and Program Impact

UCLA finished the season 37-1, with only one loss.
This is the program's first women's national title.
UCLA becomes the second Big Ten school to win the women's championship, following Purdue in 1998.

Coach and Player Reactions

Head coach Cori Close described the moment as "beyond my wildest dreams" and emphasized the team's heart.
Betts highlighted basketball's role in her personal growth and helping others.
Jaquez expressed pride in achieving the goal set by the senior class.