UCLA Claims First Women's NCAA Title in 79-51 Rout
UCLA defeated South Carolina 79-51 on April 5, 2026, to claim the program's first national championship in women's basketball. The Bruins built a 61-32 lead by the end of the third quarter at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Cori Close's team held the Gamecocks to 29% shooting while making 43% of its own shots.
The victory marked UCLA's second straight Final Four appearance. The Bruins advanced past Texas 51-44 this year after losing to UConn 85-51 last season. South Carolina, coached by Dawn Staley, reached its third consecutive title game after beating UConn 62-48 and had won the 2024 championship.
All five UCLA starters scored in double figures. Gabriela Jaquez led with 21 points and 10 rebounds; Lauren Betts added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Gianna Kneepkens scored 15 points with four assists, while Charlisse Leger-Walker had 10 points and Kiki Rice contributed 10 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jaquez is the sister of Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez.
Close has coached UCLA since the 2011-12 season.
