UCLA rolls past South Carolina for first NCAA women's national championship
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UCLA rolls past South Carolina for first NCAA women's national championship
Heather Burns, Cydney Henderson, Meghan L. Hall and Mitchell Northam, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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14 min read
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PHOENIX —UCLAfinally broke through, winning its first women's basketball national championship of the NCAA era.
The Bruins dominatedSouth Carolina,routing the Gamecocks 79-51Sunday, April 5, at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The team, which features five senior starters and six players who are likely to be drafted into the WNBA April 13, posted a wire-to-wire win.
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StartersLauren Betts,Kiki Rice,Gabriela Jaquez, Charlisse Leger-Walker andGianna Kneepkensare the first group to earn a title for the UCLA women since Ann Meyers Drysdale & Co. won an AIAW national championship in 1978 in the pre-NCAA era.
TheUCLA Bruinscelebrate on the podium after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe speaks to UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) on the podium after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (5) and center Lauren Betts (51) reacts in the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) embraces head coach Cori Close in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
The UCLA Bruins celebrate after the National Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close congratulates center Lauren Betts (51) as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
1/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
TheUCLA Bruinscelebrate on the podium after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
1/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
TheUCLA Bruinscelebrate on the podium after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
2/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe speaks to UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) on the podium after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
3/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
4/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
5/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
6/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (5) and center Lauren Betts (51) reacts in the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
7/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) embraces head coach Cori Close in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
8/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
9/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
10/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
11/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
The UCLA Bruins celebrate after the National Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
12/12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women's basketball championship
UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close congratulates center Lauren Betts (51) as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
"Coming in as freshman, the plan was to cut down nets," Jaquez said. "And, wow, here we are with a national championship."
"To finish out my career at UCLA with a national championship really does mean everything."
The Bruins dominated in the paint with 6-foot-7 center Betts, outrebounding the Gamecocks 49-36 and outscoring them 40-28. Jaquez led all scorers with 21 points. Kneepkens added 15 points. Betts had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
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UCLA lost to UConn in the semifinals of the Final Four last season. That experience, Betts said, helped them this time around.
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe speaks to UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) on the podium after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe speaks to UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) on the podium after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts after the National Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close congratulates center Lauren Betts (51) as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51), guard Kiki Rice (1) and guard Gianna Kneepkens (8) celebrate in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and forward Angela Dugalić (32) celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after a timeout was called by the South Carolina Gamecocks during the third quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) grabs a rebound over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during their NCAA women's basketball national championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins battles for position against Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins shoots the ball against Maryam Dauda #30 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins drives to the basket between Tessa Johnson #5 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins gestures during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins looks to pass the ball against Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins reacts during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins and Maryam Dauda #30 of the South Carolina Gamecocks battle for position during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (26) controls the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Alicia Tournebize (31) in the second half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) jump for the opening tip-off in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) rebounds the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the third quarter during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
1/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe speaks to UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) on the podium after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
1/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe speaks to UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) on the podium after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
2/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe speaks to UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) on the podium after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
3/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts after the National Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
4/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
5/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
6/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close congratulates center Lauren Betts (51) as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
7/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51), guard Kiki Rice (1) and guard Gianna Kneepkens (8) celebrate in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
8/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and forward Angela Dugalić (32) celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
9/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
10/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
11/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
12/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
13/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after a timeout was called by the South Carolina Gamecocks during the third quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
14/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) grabs a rebound over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during their NCAA women's basketball national championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
15/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins battles for position against Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
16/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins shoots the ball against Maryam Dauda #30 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
17/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins drives to the basket between Tessa Johnson #5 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
18/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins gestures during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
19/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins looks to pass the ball against Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
20/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins reacts during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
21/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
22/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins and Maryam Dauda #30 of the South Carolina Gamecocks battle for position during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
23/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
24/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
25/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (26) controls the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Alicia Tournebize (31) in the second half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
26/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) jump for the opening tip-off in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
27/27
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) rebounds the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the third quarter during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
"I never wanted to feel that way ever again," Betts said. "Everyone understood the moment and we weren't going to go out and not be ready."
Tessa Johnson led South Carolina with with 14 points.Joyce Edwardshad 11 rebounds. The Gamecocks shot 30% from the field. They reached the Final Four for the sixth straight season and lost in the national championship game by more than 20 points for the second consecutive year.
"We just didn't have it today, we tried, but we just didn't have it," South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said.
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The Gamecocks agreed with their coach about the frustrations of the title game.
"Every 50/50 ball went their way. Every rebound, they got second, third and fourth chance points," Ta'Niya Latson said. "We didn't do the little things, we didn't do the intangibles. That's something that Coach talks about a lot."
Kiki Rice #1 of the UCLA Bruins dribbles against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball between Sienna Betts #16 and Lena Bilic #9 of the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins and Maryam Dauda #30 of the South Carolina Gamecocks battle for position during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Gianna Kneepkens #8 of the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Gabriela Jaquez #11 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after being fouled on a made basket against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Timea Gardiner #30 of the UCLA Bruins shoots the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on during the first quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) jump for the opening tip-off in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
1/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Kiki Rice #1 of the UCLA Bruins dribbles against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
1/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Kiki Rice #1 of the UCLA Bruins dribbles against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
2/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball between Sienna Betts #16 and Lena Bilic #9 of the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
3/15
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
4/15
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins and Maryam Dauda #30 of the South Carolina Gamecocks battle for position during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
5/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Gianna Kneepkens #8 of the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
6/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Gabriela Jaquez #11 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after being fouled on a made basket against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
7/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
8/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
9/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
10/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
11/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Timea Gardiner #30 of the UCLA Bruins shoots the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
12/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on during the first quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
13/15
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
14/15
UCLA vs South Carolina play for the women’s national title. See photos
Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
15/15
See photos from UCLA senior Lauren Betts MOP performance
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) jump for the opening tip-off in the first half during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
It is the first women's basketball national championship for the Big Ten since Purdue won in 1999. UCLA is in its second season in the conference.
The Bruins are the first new champion of the NCAA era since LSU won its first title in 2023. Cori Close is the first coach not named Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, Muffet McGraw, Tara VanDerveer or Kim Mulkey to win a title since Gary Blair's 2011 title with Texas A&M.
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The Bruins have now won NCAA championships in 11 different women's sports, and its basketball title is the 46th championship overall for UCLA's women's teams in the NCAA era.
The Alabama bench celebrate after a big three-point shot by Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) in the fourth quarter against Louisville during the2026 NCAA Women's March MadnessSecond Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. Weathers finished with 13 points. March 23, 2026.
(Matt Stone, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Laura Ziegler of the Louisville Cardinals kisses the court after her team's 69-68 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at KFC YUM! Center on March 23, 2026 in Louisville, Ky.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish leprechaun mascot cheer prior to the NCAA women's basketball tournament second round game at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 23, 2026.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Louisville fans cheer during a first-round game between the Louisville Cardinals and Vermont Catamounts in the 2026 NCAA WomenâÕs Basketball Tournament at the KFC Yum Center, March 21, 2026, in Louisville, Ky.
(Jeff Faughender, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish huddle up prior to the start of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Second Round game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Jerome Schottenstein Center on March 23, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Notre Dame defeated Ohio Sate 83-73.
(Kirk Irwin, Getty Images)
A Louisville fan held a sign in the final seconds as the Cards defeated Alabama 69-68 to move on to the Sweet 16 during the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness Second Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. March 23, 2026.
(Matt Stone, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Alabama mascot Big Al works the crowd during a first-round game between the Rhode Island Rams and Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2026 NCAA WomenÕs Basketball Tournament at the KFC Yum Center, March 21, 2026, in Louisville, Ky.
(Jeff Faughender, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Ohio State Buckeyes sit for the starting lineup prior to the NCAA women's basketball tournament second round game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 23, 2026.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Ohio State Buckeyes fans react to a foul call during the NCAA women's basketball tournament second round game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 23, 2026.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch via USA TODAY NETWORK)
A member of the Louisville Cardinals band performs during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at KFC YUM! Center on March 23, 2026 in Louisville, Ky.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
A player spins a basketball branded with the NCAA logo before a game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Louisville Cardinals in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at KFC YUM! Center on March 23, 2026 in Louisville, Ky.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
The Iowa State Cyclones mascot on the court during a break against the Syracuse Orange in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Ct. on Mar 21, 2026.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
Guard Kylie Feuerbach #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes interacts with fans after a match-up against the FDU Knights on March 21, 2026 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Matthew Holst, Getty Images)
1/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
The Alabama bench celebrate after a big three-point shot by Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) in the fourth quarter against Louisville during the2026 NCAA Women's March MadnessSecond Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. Weathers finished with 13 points. March 23, 2026.
(Matt Stone, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
1/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
The Alabama bench celebrate after a big three-point shot by Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) in the fourth quarter against Louisville during the2026 NCAA Women's March MadnessSecond Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. Weathers finished with 13 points. March 23, 2026.
(Matt Stone, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
2/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
Laura Ziegler of the Louisville Cardinals kisses the court after her team's 69-68 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at KFC YUM! Center on March 23, 2026 in Louisville, Ky.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
3/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish leprechaun mascot cheer prior to the NCAA women's basketball tournament second round game at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 23, 2026.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch via USA TODAY NETWORK)
4/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
Louisville fans cheer during a first-round game between the Louisville Cardinals and Vermont Catamounts in the 2026 NCAA WomenâÕs Basketball Tournament at the KFC Yum Center, March 21, 2026, in Louisville, Ky.
(Jeff Faughender, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
5/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish huddle up prior to the start of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Second Round game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Jerome Schottenstein Center on March 23, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Notre Dame defeated Ohio Sate 83-73.
(Kirk Irwin, Getty Images)
6/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
A Louisville fan held a sign in the final seconds as the Cards defeated Alabama 69-68 to move on to the Sweet 16 during the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness Second Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. March 23, 2026.
(Matt Stone, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
7/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
Alabama mascot Big Al works the crowd during a first-round game between the Rhode Island Rams and Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2026 NCAA WomenÕs Basketball Tournament at the KFC Yum Center, March 21, 2026, in Louisville, Ky.
(Jeff Faughender, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
8/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
The Ohio State Buckeyes sit for the starting lineup prior to the NCAA women's basketball tournament second round game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 23, 2026.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch via USA TODAY NETWORK)
9/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
Ohio State Buckeyes fans react to a foul call during the NCAA women's basketball tournament second round game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 23, 2026.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch via USA TODAY NETWORK)
10/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
A member of the Louisville Cardinals band performs during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at KFC YUM! Center on March 23, 2026 in Louisville, Ky.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
11/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
A player spins a basketball branded with the NCAA logo before a game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Louisville Cardinals in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at KFC YUM! Center on March 23, 2026 in Louisville, Ky.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
12/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
The Iowa State Cyclones mascot on the court during a break against the Syracuse Orange in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Ct. on Mar 21, 2026.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
13/13
See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
Guard Kylie Feuerbach #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes interacts with fans after a match-up against the FDU Knights on March 21, 2026 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Matthew Holst, Getty Images)
Bruins' lead is 30
Four players for the Bruins are in double figures and they have held the Gamecocks to 13 points in the half.
The Bruins held the Gamecocks to five points in the third quarter and appear to be cruising to their first NCAA women's basketball championship. UCLA now has three players in double figures. Lauren Betts has a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
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Getting chippy
Tensions are running high in the NCAA national title game. South Carolina's Agot Makeer and UCLA's Kiki Rice had to be separated under the basket in the third quarter. The incident happened with 2:37 remaining in the frame after Makeer appeared to push Rice out of her way after UCLA's Charlisse Leger-Walker blocked Maker's layup attempt.
South Carolina's inexperience may be hurting them against UCLA
As South Carolina is down at least 20 points in the third, here's what Dawn Staley saidto USA TODAY on Feb. 8 about her roster: "This year's team is a lot different than our previous championship teams. One, the previous championship teams had a core that had been together for at least an entire season or two," Staley said.
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"We don't have the luxury of that. We may have one or two pieces that have been part of a championship, but 90 percent, 80 percent of our team hasn't experienced a championship. Not even a national championship [or] a conference championship."
Lauren Betts first Bruin to double figures
Betts scored on a layup to get to 10 points before teammate Gabriela Jaquez had a layup of her own. She now has 11 points. UCLA is out to a 48-26 lead with 5:41 to go in the third quarter.
UCLA stretches lead to 18 points
The Bruins have gone on a 7-2 run to start the second half and lead 43-25.
Olympian Ilona Maher, Red Panda takeover halftime
Olympian Ilona Maher and Red Panda were the halftime show entertainment for Sunday in Phoenix. Maher tossed a few bowls Red Panda's way in an awesome collaboration. What a crossover.
Halftime: UCLA 36, South Carolina 23
The Bruins are dominating the paint, outrebounding the Gamecocks, 29-17. UCLA is also outscoring the South Carolina 20-12 in the lane.
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Six players for the Bruins have five or more points each at the break Gianna Kneepkens and Gabriela Jaquez are leading the way with seven points apiece.
Tessa Johnson leads the Gamecocks with 10 points and Joyce Edwards has six rebounds.
Ta'Niya Latson scores for South Carolina
Ta'Niya Latson got her first field goal of the night with 2:48 remaining in the first half after intercepting a bad pass from UCLA's Charlisse Leger-Walker. After Latson made the layup, she got an emphatic chest bump fromRaven Johnson. Latson and Johnson won three consecutive state championships together at Westlake High School inAtlanta, in addition to the GEICO National title in 2021.
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Latson's layup cut South Carolina's deficit to 32-21. Latson is up to four points and three rebounds in the first national championship game of her career.
Red Panda announced as halftime performer
Acrobat Red Panda, a popular halftime performer known for juggling various items while riding a 7-foot unicycle, was announced as the halftime entertainment at the 2026 NCAA Championship Game between UCLA and South Carolina.
Red Panda's act involves catching and balancing bowls on her head and feet while riding a unicycle. She's performed at various NBA and WNBA games throughout her career.
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UCLA take 15-point lead
The Bruins are shooting 45% from the field compared to 21% for the Gamecocks. UCLA lead 32-17 with 4:34 to go in the half. Gabriela Jaquez has seven points andAngela Dugalicand Lauren Betts have six points apiece.
Lauren Betts returns
Lauren Betts checked back into the game with 8:41 remaining in the second quarter as UCLA led South Carolina 26-14. Moments before checking in, Betts was doing guided deep breaths with a trainer on the bench. It's not clear what caused Betts to ask to come out the game in the first quarter, but she was seen motioning to her throat area and repeatedly coughing on the bench. Betts has four points and five rebounds in nine minutes.
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Lauren Betts throat injury?
Lauren Betts motioned to the bench and checked out of the game with 2:14 remaining in the first quarter. Betts immediately went to the bench and began talking with a trainer as she coughed into a towel and motioned toward her throat area. Betts remained on the bench the remainder of the first quarter.
She is returning to game with 8:41 left in the half.
End of Q1: UCLA 21, South Carolina 10
Gabriela Jaquez and Charlisse Leger-Walker each scored five points apiece as the Bruins built a double-digit lead over the Gamecocks. UCLA opened the game on a 13-4 run, capped off by a pair of free throws from Jaquez. UCLA made a trio of 3-pointers and were outrebounding South Carolina by seven. Tessa Johnson had three points for the Gamecocks.
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Gamecocks trying to find offense
South Carolina has struggled to find its offensive rhythm so far. The Gamecocks opened Sunday's title game shooting 1-of-9 from the field and 0-of-2 from the 3-point line before South Carolina's Tessa Johnson got a layup to go with 4:53 remaining in the first quarter. She was fouled by Sienna Betts on the play and heads to the line.
Gabriela Jaquez has five points and four rebounds to lead UCLA. Lauren Betts has scored four and grabbed two rebounds to help the Bruins to a 13-6 lead at the first TV timeout.
Jerzy Robinson repping South Carolina
Jerzy Robinson, the fifth-ranked 2026 recruit in the nation, is sitting courtside at the national championship game in Phoenix and making no secrets about who she's rooting for. The 6-foot guard from Sierra Canyon High School is wearing a shirt that says, "Who can guard Tessa?" − a nod to something LSU coach Kim Mulkey said when the Gamecocks beat the Tigers earlier this season.
We are underway in Phoenix
Senior center Lauren Betts scored the first basket of the the game for the Bruins.
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South Carolina vs UCLA: NCAA Championship date, start time
The South Carolina Gamecocks and UCLA Bruins and will face off Sunday, April 5 at the Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and WNBA'sPhoenix Mercury.
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT)
Date: Sunday, April 5
Location: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix)
How to watch South Carolina vs UCLA: TV channel, streaming
South Carolina vs. UCLA will air live on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET on April 5, with streaming options on Fubo and ESPN Unlimited.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley and UCLA coach Cori Close hugged pregame and exchanged pleasantries. It was just a brief interaction, but both coaches were happy to chat with one another.
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Afterward Staley looked around after to people on the bench as if to say she does participate in pregame handshakes.
A national championship montage was shown at Mortgage Matchup Center ahead of the title game between UCLA and South Carolina. When UConn head coach Geno Auriemma was shown on the Jumbotron celebrating the program's 12 national championships throughout the years, South Carolina fans in the crowd loudly booed. Meanwhile, South Carolina fans loudly applauded when footage of South Carolina and Dawn Staley celebrating their titles in 2017, 2022 and 2024 was shown.
Lauren Betts and Sienna Betts are staying loose ahead of the national championship game. The sisters performed several popular TikTok dances before locking in a huddle with Angela Dugalic and Amanda Muse. Betts gave an impassioned speech to the group of forwards in the close huddle before going to high five her other teammates.
WNBA'SChelsea Grayon guest analyst duties at title game
WNBA star Chelsea Gray is in Phoenix to call today's championship matchup.
UCLA's Kiki Rice: Shoulder surgery 'the best things I ever did'
UCLAsenior guard Kiki Rice's offseason was unlike any she's experienced.
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After the Bruins' historic 34-3 season ended with a loss to UConn in the Final Four last April, Rice elected to undergo shoulder surgery after playing through shoulder pain all year. Rice said the move was "one of the best things I ever did," as evidenced by her career season that's ultimately helped the Bruins reach their first NCAA national championship game. "It was my first time having a big surgery and being out for a long time," Rice told USA TODAY Sports. "It was tough just being out for a while and not being able to really shoot and use my right arm for four months." Read Cydney Henderson'sfull story here.
Ann Meyers Drysdale repping
Ann Meyers Drysdale played on the UCLA team that won the AIWA national title in 1978. She appeared in two Final Four for the Bruins.
Less than 30 minutes to tip
Miami Heat forward in Phoenix to support UCLA sister
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is at Mortage Matchup Center to support his sister, UCLA Bruins guard Gabriela Jaquez.
South Carolina and UCLA storylines to watch:
Two women coaches are on college basketball's biggest stage:
Dawn Staley and Cori Close are dressed for the occasion
South Carolina hits the court
South Carolina vs. UCLA predictions
South Carolina and its FAMs are ready for the title game
UCLA heads to Mortgage Matchup Center with a fan sendoff
Lauren Betts WNBA mock draft projection
The 2026 WNBA draft is scheduled to take place on April 13. It's a quick turnaround after the biggest weekend in college basketball and in USA TODAY's latest mock draft, UCLA's Lauren Betts is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the center's draft night will play out. Read full analysishere.
