By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
UCLA delivered a commanding performance in the 2026 women’s national championship game, overpowering South Carolina 79-51 with a dominant showing on both ends of the floor. From the opening tip, the Bruins set the tone—building an early lead and never allowing the Gamecocks to find their rhythm.
The 28-point victory stands as the third-largest margin in championship game history.
By the end of the first quarter, UCLA had already seized control, leading 21-10 behind efficient shooting and aggressive perimeter defense. South Carolina struggled to generate consistent offense, while the Bruins capitalized on transition play and second-chance opportunities.
“I think it starts with that perimeter pressure,” said senior Lauren Betts. “Our guards did a really good job of making it difficult for them. Once we get stops, they’re just not able to do what they want to do.”
Seniors Set the Tone
The Bruins’ senior leadership—battle-tested and determined—proved to be the difference.
Betts, the 6-foot-7 center, controlled the paint with authority. She established position early and often, finishing efficiently over defenders while anchoring the defense. But she wasn’t alone.
“Today was just a fantastic display of our resilience and intensity,” said senior guard Kiki Rice, who added 10 points. “We felt like this was our time—our year. There’s no better way to end our career.”
After a disappointing exit in the 2025 Final Four, Rice, Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Charlisse Leger-Walker and Angela Dugalic made the decision to return—determined to finish what they started.
That decision paid off.
Balanced Attack, Complete Control
UCLA’s dominance showed up across the stat sheet.
All five starters scored in double figures, led by Jaquez, who finished with a game-high 21 points and 10 rebounds. Betts added a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Gianna Kneepkens chipped in 15 points. Rice and Leger-Walker each contributed 10, and Dugalic added nine off the bench.
The Bruins controlled the glass, out-rebounding South Carolina 49-37, including a 29-17 edge in the first half. UCLA also turned 21 offensive rebounds into 25 second-chance points—effectively wearing down the Gamecocks.
South Carolina, meanwhile, never found its footing.
Junior Tessa Johnson led the Gamecocks with 14 points, while sophomore Joyce Edwards pulled down 11 rebounds. Still, the team struggled to keep pace from the start.
“We got a chance to play on the last day of college women’s basketball,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley. “When you’re in this position, you don’t win all of them. There are too many great teams, players and coaches.”
A Historic Win
The title marks UCLA’s first NCAA championship and its second overall national title, adding to its AIAW championship in 1978. It also gives head coach Cori Close her first title in her 15th season.
“It’s beyond my wildest dreams,” Close told ESPN. “It’s meaningful because of the people I’ve gotten to share it with.”
A Bruin Legacy in the Building
Adding to the moment, UCLA legend Ann Meyers-Drysdale—an All-American, Olympian and member of the 1978 championship team—was in attendance as part of a special recognition ceremony.
“You know, there’s so much pride wearing USA across your jersey,” Meyers-Drysdale said. “But I’m always a Bruin. There was no way I wasn’t going to represent UCLA and support this team.”
Meyers-Drysdale, notably, was the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship at UCLA—helping pave the way for generations of athletes who followed.
Notes from Phoenix
South Carolina finishes as national runner-up for the second straight season, following its 2024 championship run. Senior Raven Johnson closes her career with five Final Four appearances and two national titles, leading the Gamecocks to a remarkable 145-8 record during her tenure.
Two unusual moments also stood out during Final Four weekend. Connecticut’s Sarah Strong switched jersey numbers mid-game in the semifinal, while UCLA’s Betts briefly changed jerseys in the championship after a blood issue—only to return to her familiar No. 51 as the Bruins pulled away for good.