UCLA defeat Texas to reach first NCAA title game despite 23 turnovers

UCLA survived 23 turnovers to defeat Texas 51-44 in Phoenix and reach the NCAA women’s championship game for the first time in program history.

The Bruins ground out a gritty victory to extend their impressive winning streak to 30 consecutive matches.

They will now face undefeated South Carolina in Sunday’s showpiece final.

Defensive masterclass stifles Texas

In one of the lowest-scoring encounters in Women’s Final Four history, defensive solidity took precedence over attacking flair.

The Californian outfit restricted their opponents to just six first-quarter points, setting an aggressive early tone.

Madison Booker, who previously tormented the Bruins with 16 points in November, was effectively neutralised.

The Texas star struggled to find her rhythm, finishing with merely six points on 3-of-23 shooting from the floor.

Betts dominates the paint

Lauren Betts proved to be the pivotal difference-maker in a contest where scoring opportunities were exceptionally scarce.

The imposing centre led her side with 16 points, shooting an efficient 7-of-10 while controlling the physical interior battles.

Her defining contribution came defensively in the dying moments, producing a crucial block on Booker with just 20 seconds remaining.

Kiki Rice then calmly converted two decisive free throws to secure the historic triumph.

Sweet redemption for Close’s side

The hard-fought semifinal victory served as the perfect response to last season’s humiliating 85-51 blowout defeat by UConn.

Head coach Cori Close had openly criticised her own past preparations in the build-up to Friday’s redemption opportunity.

“I had done a crappy job as a leader,” she told reporters.

The team delivered on their vow to improve, simultaneously avenging their only defeat of the current campaign.

While the offensive execution stuttered significantly, a resolute mentality ensured UCLA finally crossed the final hurdle to challenge for their maiden national crown.