UCLA Advances to First-Ever NCAA Women's Basketball Title Game

Bruins defeat Texas to earn spot in championship matchup against South Carolina

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and action of a women's basketball game, with players and the court deconstructed into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of the intensity and energy of the NCAA women's basketball championship game, as UCLA seeks to make history.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team has made history by advancing to the NCAA national championship game for the first time ever. In a thrilling victory over Texas, the Bruins were led by standout performances from senior center Lauren Betts and guards Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens. UCLA's ability to turn up the intensity in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference-maker, as they outscored the Longhorns 7-0 in the opening minutes of the final period.

Why it matters

This achievement marks a significant milestone for the UCLA women's basketball program, which has been steadily building towards this moment. The Bruins' victory avenges an earlier loss to Texas and serves as redemption after a devastating defeat to UConn in last year's Final Four. As they prepare to face off against the high-powered South Carolina Gamecocks in the title game, the Bruins have the opportunity to cement their legacy and bring home the school's first-ever NCAA women's basketball championship.

The details

UCLA's star center Lauren Betts led the way with 16 points, while guards Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens each contributed 10 points to the winning effort. The Bruins' defense was also a key factor, holding Texas' leading scorer Madison Booker to just 6 points on 3-of-23 shooting. UCLA's overall shooting percentage of 41% proved to be the difference, compared to Texas' 31% from the field.

  • The NCAA women's basketball national championship game will be played on April 7, 2026.

The players

Lauren Betts

A senior center for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, Betts led the team with 16 points in the victory over Texas, showcasing her dominance in the paint.

Gabriela Jaquez

A guard for the UCLA Bruins, Jaquez contributed 10 points to the team's winning effort against Texas.

Gianna Kneepkens

A guard for the UCLA Bruins, Kneepkens also scored 10 points to help the team secure their spot in the NCAA championship game.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, Close has led the program to its first-ever NCAA title game appearance.

Madison Booker

The star player for the Texas Longhorns, Booker had an off night, scoring just 6 points on 3-of-23 shooting.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to celebrate this success fully, unlike last year's postseason. This team has worked so hard to get to this point, and we're not done yet.”

— Cori Close, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins

What’s next

The UCLA Bruins will face the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women's basketball national championship game on April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

UCLA's historic run to the NCAA women's basketball title game is a testament to the team's talent, determination, and resilience. After a devastating loss in last year's Final Four, the Bruins have bounced back stronger than ever, avenging an earlier defeat to Texas and now having the opportunity to capture the school's first-ever national championship. This achievement will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of women's basketball players and cement UCLA's place as a powerhouse program.