UCLA blows out South Carolina for first women's NCAA title
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- UCLA won its first NCAA women's basketball championship by defeating South Carolina 79-51, marking the third-largest margin of victory in a Division I women's title game.
- Coach Cori Close, in her 15th season, led the Bruins to a historic 31st straight win, overcoming doubts about winning a national title at UCLA.
- Lauren Betts was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player, while senior Gabriela Jaquez delivered a standout performance with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
- UCLA dominated inside scoring and defense throughout the game, holding South Carolina to their worst shooting percentage in any half since 2022.
- The victory honored UCLA basketball legends and continued the legacy of excellence inspired by figures like John Wooden, Ann Meyers Drysdale, and Denise Curry.
