South Carolina's Maryam Dauda steps up in NCAA championship game

The senior forward has played a key role off the bench for the Gamecocks against UCLA

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:06pm

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Maryam Dauda, a senior forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, has been a key contributor off the bench in the NCAA championship game against the UCLA Bruins. Dauda, who started her career at Arkansas, has played in 36 games this season for the Gamecocks, averaging 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11 minutes of action. She was the first player substituted into the game for the Gamecocks, who are facing off against UCLA's star center Lauren Betts.

Why it matters

With injuries and absences impacting South Carolina's frontcourt depth, Dauda has stepped up to provide valuable minutes and production off the bench in the national championship game. Her experience and talent will be crucial as the Gamecocks look to secure their second NCAA title in program history.

The details

Dauda, a 6-foot-4 forward, started her college career at Arkansas, where she was a regular starter and averaged double-digit points and rebounds in the 2023-24 season. She transferred to South Carolina for her final season and has played a reserve role for the Gamecocks, who are the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. In the championship game against UCLA, Dauda was the first player substituted in off the bench, showcasing her importance to the team's depth and rotations.

  • Dauda has played in 36 games for South Carolina this season.
  • She is averaging 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11 minutes per game.
  • Dauda has played a total of 14 minutes in this NCAA Tournament.

The players

Maryam Dauda

A senior forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team. She started her college career at Arkansas before transferring to South Carolina for her final season.

Lauren Betts

A 6-foot-7 star center for the UCLA Bruins, who are facing off against South Carolina in the NCAA championship game.

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What they’re saying

“Maryam has been a valuable contributor off the bench for us all season. Her experience and talent will be crucial as we look to win the national championship.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

What’s next

The winner of the NCAA championship game between South Carolina and UCLA will be crowned the 2026 national champion.

The takeaway

Maryam Dauda's role off the bench for the South Carolina Gamecocks has become increasingly important as the team navigates injuries and absences in the frontcourt. Her experience and production will be vital as the Gamecocks look to secure their second NCAA title against a formidable UCLA squad.