UCLA Wins First NCAA Women’s Basketball Title with Dominant Victory Over South Carolina April 5, 2026 — In a historic and commanding performance, the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team (37-1) secured their first-ever NCAA women’s basketball national championship, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks (36-4) by a decisive 79-51 margin. From the opening tip-off at the Footprint Center, UCLA established control and never looked back. The Bruins led 21-10 after the first quarter and steadily increased their lead, highlighted by a dominant 25-9 third quarter that effectively sealed the win. Leading UCLA was Gabriela Jaquez, who delivered a standout championship performance with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Teammate Lauren Betts overcame a first-half injury scare to return and recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. For South Carolina, Tessa Johnson led with 14 points, but the team struggled offensively thro...