Image source: Kirby Lee, Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images
In a game that quickly turned into a one-sided celebration, UCLA delivered a performance for the ages, crushing South Carolina 79-51 to claim its first NCAA women’s basketball championship.
What many expected to be a tight showdown instead became a masterclass by the Bruins—calm, confident, and completely in control from tip-off to final buzzer.
Honestly, by the third quarter, even neutral fans were thinking, “Well… this escalated quickly.”
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Bruins Set the Tone Early
From the opening minutes, UCLA looked like a team on a mission. No nerves, no hesitation—just sharp execution. The Bruins jumped out to a 30-15 lead midway through the second quarter and carried a solid 36-23 advantage into halftime.
Head coach Cori Close praised her squad’s mindset, highlighting their composure under pressure. And it showed. This didn’t feel like a team playing its first title game—it felt like a group that had been here before.
Meanwhile, South Carolina struggled to find rhythm, missing 15 of its first 18 shots. Even their usually reliable starters couldn’t get into a groove, leaving the Gamecocks chasing the game early.
Defense Turns Dominance Into a Rout
If the first half set the tone, the third quarter slammed the door shut. UCLA came out firing, extending the lead to 44-25 within minutes and eventually pushing the margin past 30 points.
Their defensive effort was relentless. For the second straight game, the Bruins shut down the opponent’s top scorer—this time holding Joyce Edwards to just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting.
At one point, it felt like every loose ball magically found a UCLA jersey. As one fan might say, “Did they put magnets in those uniforms or what?”
Jaquez and Betts Lead the Charge
UCLA’s stars stepped up in the biggest moment. Gabriela Jaquez delivered a standout performance with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Her energy was infectious, and her late three-pointer—followed by a roaring celebration—perfectly captured the night.
Adding to the story, her brother, NBA forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., watched proudly from the stands.
Lauren Betts, despite dealing with breathing issues early, powered through to record a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Her dominance in the paint helped UCLA win the rebounding battle 49-36 and outscore South Carolina inside.
Betts was later named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player—a well-earned honor after anchoring both ends of the floor.
Experience Pays Off for UCLA
This victory didn’t come out of nowhere. UCLA’s roster, filled with experienced players and future WNBA prospects, had been building toward this moment since day one.
Last year’s Final Four loss to UConn left a lasting impression. This time, the Bruins made sure history didn’t repeat itself.
“We’ve been preparing since our first practice,” Jaquez said after the game. “To finish it this way—it means everything.”
And it truly showed. UCLA played like a team that refused to let the opportunity slip.
South Carolina Falls Short Again
For South Carolina, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. Despite reaching the Final Four for the sixth straight season, the Gamecocks suffered their second consecutive blowout defeat in the championship game.
Tessa Johnson led the team with 14 points, but overall, South Carolina shot just 30% from the field. Coach Dawn Staley summed it up simply: the team just didn’t have it on this night.
Players echoed that sentiment, pointing to missed opportunities and a lack of execution in key moments.
A New Champion Rises
With this win, UCLA not only secures its first NCAA women’s basketball title but also marks a new chapter in the sport. The Bruins become the first new champion since LSU’s 2023 breakthrough and bring a long-awaited trophy back to Westwood.
The victory also highlights the rise of a new powerhouse, breaking a decade-long trend dominated by a handful of elite programs.
For UCLA, this is more than just a win—it’s a statement. And if this performance is any indication, the Bruins might not be done celebrating anytime soon.
FAQ:
Who won the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball championship?
UCLA won the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball championship by defeating South Carolina 79-51 in a dominant performance.
What was the final score of UCLA vs South Carolina?
The final score was UCLA 79, South Carolina 51, with the Bruins controlling the game from start to finish.
Who was the MVP of the NCAA women’s championship game 2026?
Lauren Betts was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament after her strong performance, including a double-double in the final.
How did UCLA dominate South Carolina in the final?
UCLA dominated with strong defense, excellent rebounding, and efficient scoring. They also shut down South Carolina’s key players and controlled the paint.
How many points did Gabriela Jaquez score in the championship game?
Gabriela Jaquez led all scorers with 21 points, along with 10 rebounds and five assists.
Why did South Carolina struggle in the championship game?
South Carolina struggled with poor shooting, making only about 30% of their shots, and had trouble handling UCLA’s defense and rebounding pressure.
Is this UCLA’s first NCAA women’s basketball title?
Yes, this is UCLA’s first NCAA women’s basketball championship in the NCAA era.
How did UCLA perform in the Final Four before the championship?
UCLA entered the final with strong momentum and confidence, especially after learning from last year’s Final Four loss.
Who are the key players for UCLA in this championship run?
Key players included Gabriela Jaquez, Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Gianna Kneepkens.
What does this win mean for UCLA women’s basketball?
This victory marks a historic milestone for UCLA and establishes the Bruins as a rising powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
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