Sports05 April, 20261 min read
UCLA Cruises Past South Carolina 79-51, Cori Close Wins First NCAA Title
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UCLA defeated South Carolina 79-51 to win the program's first NCAA women's title. Dawn Staley praised UCLA coach Cori Close after the title-game loss.
Historic UCLA Victory
UCLA clinched its first NCAA women's basketball championship with a dominant 79-51 victory over South Carolina. The Bruins led wire-to-wire and sealed the 28-point thrashing with a surge in the second quarter. Gabriela Jaquez led the way with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
The victory marked UCLA as the eighth team in 30 years to win their first women's title. Cori Close became the longest-tenured coach to win a first championship.
Jaquez's Historic Game
Jaquez's performance drew praise from WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark. Jaquez joined elite company with a 20-10-5 stat line in a national championship.
She is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Jaquez is the sister of Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat.
Staley's Grace
Staley handled the defeat with grace, offering effusive praise for Cori Close. She acknowledged Close's 15-year journey to a first championship. The Postgame embrace was a stark contrast to Staley's clash with Auriemma.
UCLA's Season and Legacy
The Bruins pulled out to a 10-point lead and never trailed. UCLA's 28-point win was the third-largest margin in championship history. Close captured her first national title in her 15th season.