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UCLA Wins First Women's Basketball National Title, Defeats South Carolina 79-51

UCLA won its first women's basketball national championship by defeating South Carolina 79-51 in a dominant performance on Sunday. The Bruins set a record with a 16-point third-quarter margin and held South Carolina to 26% shooting in the first half. Despite Lauren Betts' health issue, UCLA's defense was pivotal in securing the win. South Carolina, a former champion, lost its second consecutive title game. The game highlighted UCLA's historic achievement in Phoenix.

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UCLA Wins First Women's Basketball National Title, Defeats South Carolina 79-51

UCLA secured its first women's basketball national championship with a commanding 79-51 victory over South Carolina on Sunday at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.

Record-Setting Third Quarter Propels Bruins

  • The Bruins outscored South Carolina by 16 points in the third quarter, the largest scoring margin in any quarter of women's title-game history, per ESPN.
  • This extended UCLA's lead to 22 points, the biggest deficit South Carolina faced all season.

Defensive Masterclass Stifles Gamecocks

  • UCLA held South Carolina to 26% shooting from the field in the first half, including 1 for 8 from three-point range.
  • Despite star center Lauren Betts dealing with a health issue (something stuck in her throat), the team's defense remained resilient.

Historical Milestone for UCLA

  • This victory marks UCLA's first women's basketball championship in program history, a significant achievement.

South Carolina's Consecutive Championship Losses

  • South Carolina, a four-time champion since 2017, suffered its second straight championship game loss, following a defeat to UConn in 2025.
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