UCLA women's basketball won the NCAA national championship for the first time in its history. After defeating top-seeded Texas in the Final Four, the Bruins defeated South Carolina 79-51 in the championship game.
Image Source/Credit- UCLA Women's Basketball@UCLAWBB
UCLA won the championship game, 79-51 over South Carolina.
UCLA set the tone early and never let South Carolina get back in the game. The Bruins led 21-10 after the first quarter and 36-23 at halftime, building an advantage that the Gamecocks could not overcome.
The final score of 79-51 is the third-highest in women's NCAA championship game history, reflecting a strong performance on both ends.
Image Source/Credit-UCLA Women's Basketball@UCLAWBB
Final Four vs. Texas: Program-First
UCLA won the NCAA championship game for the first time after defeating Texas 51-44 in the Final Four. Texas defeated UCLA in the regular season, although the Bruins restricted them to a season-low 44 points. Lauren Betts, a senior, contributed a double-double and a crucial late-game block to secure the victory, demonstrating the team's veteran toughness.
Why is this title relevant to the program?
Prior to 2026, UCLA's sole women's basketball national championship was won during the AIAW era in 1978, and it is not on the NCAA's official list of titles. This victory awards the Bruins an NCAA banner, cementing the program's place among the modern elite. This is a fantastic send-off for the players, particularly the seniors. This core group shattered the barrier and catapulted UCLA to the national championship list, leaving an indelible mark.