UCLA Reaches NCAA Championship With Gritty Win Over Texas

Bruins grind out 51-44 victory in defensive battle to advance to national title game

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense physicality and fractured action of a basketball game, with players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color.UCLA's defensive tenacity and ability to grind out a victory in the Final Four showcase the team's growth and championship mettle.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA Bruins reached the NCAA championship game for the first time after grinding out a 51-44 victory over the Texas Longhorns in the Final Four. In a defensive battle that saw both teams struggle to score, the Bruins leaned on their toughness and senior center Lauren Betts to make the winning plays down the stretch, including a crucial block in the final minute to seal the victory.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the evolution of the UCLA team, which has developed a gritty, defensive identity under coach Cori Close. After being blown out in last year's Final Four, the Bruins showed they can win ugly games and make the necessary plays to advance, a valuable trait for a team seeking its first national championship.

The details

The Bruins led for nearly the entire game, but neither team could find much offensive rhythm. UCLA held Texas star Madison Booker to just 3-of-23 shooting, and the Bruins made the most of their limited possessions, with Betts scoring 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting. The game was tied 20-20 at halftime, and UCLA was able to grind out the victory down the stretch, including Betts' crucial block in the final minute to preserve the lead.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 4, 2026 in the Final Four.
  • The halftime score was 20-17 in favor of UCLA.

The players

Lauren Betts

The senior center for UCLA, who led all scorers with 16 points and had a game-sealing block in the final minute.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins, who has guided the team to its first-ever NCAA championship game appearance.

Madison Booker

The star player for the Texas Longhorns, who struggled mightily, shooting just 3-of-23 from the field.

Vic Schaefer

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns, whose team was unable to find its offensive rhythm in the defensive battle.

Gabriela Jaquez

A senior guard for UCLA who scored 10 points in the win.

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What they’re saying

“I felt guilty walking off the floor because it was not pretty in any way, shape or form.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach

“It's really all about toughness at this point, and finding a way to make a winning play, even if it's a winning play you wouldn't have predicted or chosen.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach

“As soon as I saw her getting downhill, I'm like, All right, please block this, just don't let her score.”

— Lauren Betts, UCLA Center

What’s next

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

The takeaway

UCLA's gritty, defensive performance in the Final Four showcased the team's growth and resilience under coach Cori Close. After being blown out in last year's tournament, the Bruins proved they can win tough, low-scoring games, a valuable trait as they seek their first national championship.