UCLA Bruins defeat South Carolina to secure historic first NCAA title
The UCLA Bruins have captured their first NCAA women’s basketball championship by dominating the South Carolina Gamecocks 79-51 in Phoenix.
The emphatic victory ends a 48-year wait for the West Coast programme.
Head coach Cori Close finally led her squad to the summit after 15 seasons of gradual rebuilding.
The Bruins finished a spectacular campaign with an exceptional 37-1 record.
Seniors lead the way to glory
Sunday’s final was an entirely one-sided affair against the three-time champions.
UCLA never trailed during the contest, showcasing their superiority from the opening tip.
The team’s experienced core proved decisive on college basketball’s biggest stage.
Remarkably, the Californian side’s seniors scored all 130 points across their Final Four run.
Gabriela Jaquez, a homegrown talent who grew up dreaming of this moment, starred with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Transfer portal proves crucial
The historic triumph relied heavily on key additions who began their collegiate careers elsewhere.
Lauren Betts, a 6-foot-7 centre who arrived from Stanford ahead of this season, delivered 14 points and 11 rebounds in the final.
The imposing post player had already secured her place in tournament folklore with a match-saving block against Texas in Friday’s semi-final.
“This programme has changed my life in the best way possible. I’m forever grateful for UCLA; it’s the best decision I ever made.”
Lauren Betts
Other vital transfers included Angela Dugalic from Oregon, Charlisse Leger-Walker from Washington State, and Gianna Kneepkens from Utah.
The squad also featured Megan Grant, who transferred internally from the university’s softball team to provide an infectious joy to the basketball roster.
Overcoming past heartbreak
Prior to this breakthrough, the Bruins had established a frustrating reputation for falling painfully short.
Between 2016 and 2024, the team stalled on six separate occasions in either the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight rounds.
This year, however, all the crucial elements aligned perfectly in the Arizona desert.
“My responsibility is placing the brick that we have in the perfect position. We’re not just trying to build a wall.”
Cori Close
Instead of merely building a wall, the veteran manager successfully constructed a national powerhouse.
The starters were even able to leave the court early, beginning their emotional celebrations with more than three minutes remaining on the clock.