UCLA Reaches First NCAA Championship Game

Bruins withstand late Texas rally to advance to title game

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense basketball action of the NCAA semifinal game between UCLA and Texas, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, court, and crowd.UCLA's gritty defensive effort and Lauren Betts' dominant performance power the Bruins to their first-ever NCAA championship game appearance.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team defeated the Texas Longhorns 51-44 in a hard-fought semifinal matchup to reach the NCAA Tournament national championship game for the first time in program history. Center Lauren Betts led the Bruins with 16 points and a crucial late-game block to help secure the victory.

Why it matters

This marks a historic milestone for the UCLA women's basketball program, which has never before advanced to the NCAA championship game. The win over a tough Texas squad showcases the Bruins' defensive tenacity and ability to grind out a victory in a low-scoring affair.

The details

UCLA built an early lead but had to withstand a late charge by Texas in the fourth quarter. The Bruins' stifling defense held the Longhorns to just 44 points on the night. Betts' 16 points and game-saving block were crucial in preserving the win for UCLA.

  • The game was played on April 4, 2026.

The players

Lauren Betts

The UCLA center scored 16 points and made a crucial late-game block to help the Bruins secure the victory.

UCLA Bruins

The women's basketball team from the University of California, Los Angeles, which is advancing to its first-ever NCAA championship game.

Texas Longhorns

The women's basketball team from the University of Texas, which fell short in the NCAA Tournament semifinal matchup against UCLA.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our defense really set the tone tonight. Holding a tough team like Texas to just 44 points is a huge accomplishment.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach

What’s next

UCLA will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the NCAA championship game on April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

UCLA's grinding defensive performance and Lauren Betts' standout play have propelled the Bruins to their first-ever NCAA championship game appearance, a historic milestone for the program.