Sports04 April, 20261 min read
Lauren Betts Blocks Booker, Powers UCLA to First NCAA Final
UCLA defeated Texas 51-44 in the Final Four to reach the national title game. Lauren Betts scored 16 points and made a decisive late block to seal it.
Defensive Battle
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.
Madison Booker struggled all night, shooting 3-for-23. The win avenged UCLA's only loss of the season to Texas in November.
First Final After 1978 Title
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.
Close told reporters she had done a crappy job as a leader. Players vowed to do better after last year's blowout loss.
Shooting Struggles and Turnovers
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.
Betts Blocks Booker in Closing Seconds
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.
Betts secured the rebound and found Kiki Rice, who made four free throws. After last year's blowout, UCLA showed dramatic growth.
Preparing for South Carolina
UCLA will face South Carolina in the national championship game on Sunday. South Carolina ended UConn’s 54-game winning streak. UCLA seeks their first NCAA championship since 1978.