UCLA Secures First Women's NCAA Title in Rout of South Carolina
UCLA defeated South Carolina 79-51 on April 5, 2026, to claim the program's first women's basketball national championship. The Bruins built a 29-point lead by the end of the third quarter, 61-32, behind stifling defense that limited the Gamecocks to 29 percent shooting from the floor. UCLA shot 43 percent in the victory at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
The win capped a breakthrough tournament for coach Cori Close, who took over the Bruins in the 2011-12 season. UCLA reached its first Final Four last season but lost to UConn 85-51. This year, the Bruins advanced past Texas 51-44 in the semifinals to face South Carolina, coached by Dawn Staley and appearing in its third straight title game after winning the 2024 championship.
All five UCLA starters scored in double figures. Gabriela Jaquez led with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting and 10 rebounds for a double-double; her brother Jaime plays for the Miami Heat. Lauren Betts added 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Gianna Kneepkens had 15 points and four assists, Charlisse Leger-Walker posted 10 points and four rebounds, and Kiki Rice contributed 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.
South Carolina had beaten UConn 62-48 in the Final Four earlier that weekend. The Gamecocks struggled offensively against UCLA's pressure, failing to match their earlier form.
