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UCLA Bruins look to cap off historic March Madness run against juggernaut South Carolina
The Bruins reached their first NCAA Tournament National Championship Game in program history after defeating Texas on Friday night.
Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:23pm
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UCLA may not be favored in the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship Game against South Carolina on Sunday, but after witnessing this dominant March Madness run, most Bruins fans would probably still make those Betts. The Bruins (36-1) avenged their lone loss of the season on Friday with an emphatic 51-44 win over Texas in the Final Four, sealing the program's first-ever NCAA title game appearance since moving over from the AIAW in 1981.
Why it matters
Friday's milestone win solidifies UCLA as a modern-day power in the sport. Prior to head coach Cori Close taking over in 2011, the Bruins had advanced to the Elite Eight just once, in 1998-1999, and were far from an annual entrant in the NCAA Tournament. In her 15 years, Close has advanced to the Sweet Sixteen a total of eight times, including three appearances in the Elite Eight and now, two-straight Final Fours.
The details
The Bruins' journey ended with a loss to Connecticut on the big stage last year, but now their journey will come to an end against the other major juggernaut in the sport, the South Carolina Gamecocks (36-3). Head coach Dawn Staley has brought three National Championships to Columbia, in 2016-2017, 2021-2022 and 2023-2024, and this year is the sixth-consecutive Final Four for the Gamecocks. The team has been dominant this year, per usual. Of their three losses, two were against the aforementioned Longhorns, whom the Bruins handled on Friday. UCLA's offensive firepower with Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkins can be matched with South Carolina's deep lineup featuring Joyce Edwards, Ta'Niya Latson and Madina Okot. The Bruins were seventh in the nation in scoring with 84 points per game, while the Gamecocks were third with 86.5.
- UCLA reached its first NCAA Tournament National Championship Game in program history on Friday night.
- The NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship Game between UCLA and South Carolina will take place on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
The players
Cori Close
The head coach of the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, who has led the program to unprecedented success over the past 15 years.
Dawn Staley
The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has led the program to three National Championships in 2016-2017, 2021-2022 and 2023-2024.
Lauren Betts
A 6-foot-7 senior for the UCLA Bruins who made a crucial block in the final seconds of their Final Four win over Texas.
Kiki Rice
A key offensive player for the UCLA Bruins, part of their high-powered scoring attack.
Gabriela Jaquez
A standout player for the UCLA Bruins, contributing to their offensive firepower.
What’s next
The NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship Game between UCLA and South Carolina will take place on Sunday, April 6, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. PT in Phoenix.
The takeaway
This matchup between the upstart UCLA Bruins and the dominant South Carolina Gamecocks promises to be an epic battle for the national title, showcasing the best of women's college basketball and the continued growth and popularity of the sport.
