UCLA Women’s Basketball Wins First NCAA Title Defeating South Carolina
UCLA women’s basketball made history, finally clinching their first NCAA title by toppling South Carolina. The championship game happened on April 5, 2026, in Phoenix and was packed with standout moments and sharp coaching moves.
This huge win ended UCLA’s long title drought and brought the NCAA women’s basketball championship back to the West Coast for the first time since Stanford won in 2021. The Bruins’ 79-51 victory over the Gamecocks showed off their grit, teamwork, and some serious determination all season long.
The Road to Victory
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UCLA’s path to the championship took years of hard work and dedication. Head coach Cori Close led the charge as the Bruins put together a program-best 31-game win streak.
Their strong defense and efficient offense kept opponents on their toes. The team credits their mental toughness to those intense *mind gym* sessions—maybe not everyone’s favorite, but clearly effective.
Key Players and Their Impact
This win was all about a team effort, but a few players definitely stood out. Senior Jaquez closed out her college career with a monster game: 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
Her energy and leadership really set the tone for everyone else. She just never seemed to slow down.
Other notable contributions came from:
- Gianna Kneepkens: Put up 15 points and kept the momentum going with some timely buckets.
- Lauren Betts: Finished with a double-double—14 points and 11 rebounds—even after a brief injury scare.
Defensive Prowess
Defense told the story of this game. UCLA held South Carolina to just 3-for-18 shooting in the first quarter, their worst of the tournament.
The Bruins kept up the pressure, forced tough shots, and owned the glass with key rebounds and blocks. It was relentless.
Game Highlights
There were plenty of moments that’ll stick with fans for a long time. UCLA came out swinging and built a big lead early, never really letting South Carolina get back into it.
They out-rebounded the Gamecocks 49-37, and honestly, they just looked in control from the jump.
First Half Dominance
UCLA brought the energy right away. Jaquez hustled for a tip-in off a missed layup, making a statement in the opening minutes.
Betts had a scary moment with a coughing fit but came back strong. By halftime, UCLA led 36-23 and had crushed South Carolina on the boards, 29-19.
Second Half Surge
The Bruins didn’t let up after the break. They started the third quarter on a 25-5 run, and South Carolina just couldn’t keep up.
UCLA’s defense was everywhere, with Leger-Walker blocking a breakaway layup and the Bruins holding the Gamecocks to only nine third-quarter points.
The offense got hot, too. Kneepkens buried a corner three, stretching the lead to 32 with just under six minutes left.
Jaquez hit a deep three with 2:42 to go, pushing UCLA up 79-46. At that point, everyone knew it was over.
Celebrating the Historic Win
When the final buzzer sounded, the celebration was on. Confetti rained down as the team soaked in the moment.
Jaquez, Betts, and Leger-Walker even joined the UCLA dance team for a little routine—why not, right?
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Coach Cori Close’s Vision
Cori Close took over UCLA women’s basketball 15 years ago, starting a journey that finally paid off. She built a strong team culture and always pushed for consistency, both on and off the court.
Her focus on character seemed to really click with this group. *Character never goes out of style,* Close said, looking back on what it took to reach this point.
Looking Ahead
UCLA’s victory stands as a huge moment for the program. It sets up the Bruins for more success down the road.
The team has built a foundation on character and teamwork. Their smart, strategic play gives them a real shot at keeping the wins coming in future seasons.
Fans and players are still buzzing about this historic win. You can feel the excitement, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in it.
The bonds formed during this championship run? Those will stick with the Bruins for years, maybe even shaping the next generation of players.
Want more details on UCLA’s big moment? Check out the full article on the Orange County Register.