The UCLA Bruins won its first NCAA women’s basketball championship since 1978, defeating fellow No. 1 seed, the South Carolina Gamecocks 79-51, in a commanding performance showcasing resilience, teamwork, and elite performance on the national stage.
Leading the charge was Gabriela Jaquez, whose standout performance not only helped secure the victory but also made history as UCLA’s first Latina NCAA basketball champion after helping the team finish the season 37-1 overall. Her achievement represents more than a national title, it’s a breakthrough moment for representation in women’s sports, inspiring young athletes who now see themselves reflected on the game’s biggest stage.
UCLA came out strong by forcing two turnovers in the first half while building an early lead with fast paced offense and defensive pressure. At the onset of the championship battle, Jaquez scored five points, five rebounds and two assists, while UCLA held a 13-4 lead, they refused to give up.
From both ends of the court, UCLA dominated and by the end of the first quarter led 21-10, produced by aggressive defense and high-IQ offense. South Carolina struggled to gain momentum offensively allowing the Bruins to capitalize on turnovers and second opportunity scoring.
The elite performance didn’t stop there. UCLA extended its lead to 36-23 at the half. Jaquez capitalized on crucial moments like knocking down a clutch three-pointer and creating a key defensive stop that kept the Bruins energized, while senior Lauren Betts established herself in the paint.
It wasn’t until the third quarter that UCLA really left South Carolina in the dust with a 61-32-point lead. By the end of the quarter, Betts and Jaquez had a combined 24 points and 18 rebounds, almost matching the South Carolina Gamecock’s three-quarter output.
In total, five Bruins players scored double figures. Gianna Kneepkens totaled 15 points, connecting on three of seven shots from behind the 3-point line. Lauren Betts had 14 points and a team-leading 11 rebounds, while Charlisse Leger-Walker and Kiki Rice each scored 10 points.
The Gamecock’s Tessa Johnson was the only starter for South Carolina scoring double figures, proving to be the team’s sole offensive weapon.
In a night defined by dominance and history, UCLA Bruins women’s basketball delivered a championship performance that will be remembered for years to come. Behind the brilliance of Gabriela Jaquez and a complete team effort, UCLA not only captured its first national title but also set a new standard for excellence, representation, and what’s possible on college basketball’s biggest stage.
