Women's Basketball Captures 2026 NCAA Championship
uclabruins.com • • general
Key Points:
- UCLA women's basketball team won its first-ever NCAA Championship by defeating South Carolina 79-51 at the Mortgage Matchup Center, marking their second women's basketball national title overall.
- Senior Gabriela Jaquez led the Bruins with 21 points, supported by four other players scoring in double figures, including Gianna Kneepkens with 15 and Lauren Betts with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
- UCLA dominated the third quarter with a 25-9 run, forcing eight turnovers and limiting South Carolina to 3-of-14 shooting, which secured their control of the game.
- Head Coach Cori Close, in her 15th season, praised her team's courage and uncommon choices, emphasizing the growth and dedication of her players throughout the season.
- The victory contributed to UCLA's 126th NCAA team championship, ranking second nationally among all NCAA Division I programs, and concluded their season with a 37-1 record and undefeated 18-0 Big Ten play.
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