Lauren Betts Blocks Booker, Powers UCLA to First NCAA Final

UCLA defeated Texas 51-44 in a low-scoring, defense-dominated semifinal.

Lauren Betts had 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, including the game-sealing block with 18.1 seconds left.

ABC7 Los Angeles

Madison Booker struggled all night, shooting 3-for-23.

The win avenged UCLA's only loss of the season to Texas in November.

This was UCLA's first NCAA title game appearance, though they won the 1978 AIAW championship.

Several members of the 1978 team including Ann Meyers Drysdale were at the game.

ClutchPoints

Close told reporters she had done a crappy job as a leader.

Players vowed to do better after last year's blowout loss.

Neither team shot well, UCLA 41% and Texas 31%.

Texas turned the ball over 12 times, UCLA 23.

The Longhorns had been one of the nation's best offensive teams all season, averaging 50%.

They were held to their lowest output since November.

Texas cut a 13-point lead down to three with just over a minute left.

Booker drove for a tying layup, but Betts came from behind to swat the shot.

ESPN

Betts secured the rebound and found Kiki Rice, who made four free throws.

After last year's blowout, UCLA showed dramatic growth.

UCLA will face South Carolina in the national championship game on Sunday.

“AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas struggled all night offensively, and what had been a high-flying offense throughout the NCAA Tournament went ice cold at the wrong time”

KXAN Austin

South Carolina ended UConn’s 54-game winning streak.

KXAN Austin

UCLA seeks their first NCAA championship since 1978.