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UCLA Earns First NCAA Women's Basketball Title, Ends South Carolina's Reign

04 April, 2026.Sports.12 sources

Key Takeaways

UCLA defeated Texas 51-44 in the Final Four to reach its first national championship game.
South Carolina upset UConn 62-47 in the Final Four, advancing to the title game.
The championship will pit UCLA against South Carolina in Phoenix for the title.

Historic Victory

UCLA secured its first NCAA women's basketball national championship with a 60-53 upset over South Carolina.

“Dawn Staley eyes another title as South Carolina meets UCLA in the NCAA women's final Dawn Staley won a national title nine years ago in her first trip as a coach to the NCAA championship game PHOENIX -- Dawn Staley has fond memories of her first trip as a coach to the NCAA championship game”

ABC News

The Bruins entered the game as 4-point underdogs despite a 36-1 record.

ABC News

Six key seniors graduated in mutual celebration.

Betts led all scorers with 18 points while Rice contributed 17 including three fourth-quarter threes.

From Underdogs to Champions

The victory was remarkable given UCLA's underdog status and limited Final Four experience compared to South Carolina.

The Gamecocks had won three consecutive titles.

ABC7 Los Angeles

UCLA had not previously reached the Final Four during the NCAA era until last year.

Sports Illustrated captured the significance of UCLA's rapid ascent.

Betts' Dominance

Lauren Betts emerged as a definitive force in the title game.

“South Carolina and UCLA will face off for the women’s basketball national championship on Sunday after their victories in the Final Four”

CNN

Betts demonstrated her capabilities beyond the paint, hitting back-to-back three-pointers.

The New York Times highlighted the coaching contrast between the teams.

Rice's Shooting

Kiki Rice drained three three-pointers in the fourth quarter that helped UCLA build a lead.

The Bruins shot 36.4% from range, connecting on 12 of 33 attempts.

ESPN

UCLA held South Carolina to 40%.

Staley and South Carolina

The defeat marked the end of South Carolina's dominance.

“South Carolina vs UCLA predictions, odds for Women's NCAA championship game South Carolina women's basketball is headed back to the national championship game”