UCLA Dominates South Carolina to Capture First NCAA Title

PHOENIX — Behind dominant performances from Betts and Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA delivered a statement finish to its historic season, defeating South Carolina 79–51 to claim the program’s first NCAA national championship. The Bruins capped the year at 37–1, cementing one of the most impressive runs in recent memory.

For UCLA, this wasn’t just a championship—it was a complete reversal of a year ago, when a 34-point semifinal loss marked the worst defeat in tournament history. This time, the Bruins left no doubt.

They controlled the game from start to finish.

Jaquez led the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Betts added 14 points and 11 boards as both stars recorded double-doubles in their final collegiate appearances. All five UCLA starters scored in double figures, showcasing the balance that defined their championship run.

UCLA’s dominance extended beyond scoring. The Bruins owned the glass with a 49–36 rebounding edge, locked in defensively, and limited costly mistakes—hallmarks of a team playing at its peak.

The tone was set early. UCLA jumped out to a 21–10 lead after the first quarter, punctuated by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Kiki Rice. South Carolina struggled to find any rhythm against UCLA’s size and defensive pressure, shooting just 3-of-18 to open the game.

Even a brief scare couldn’t slow the Bruins. Betts exited late in the first quarter dealing with breathing issues and used an inhaler on the bench before returning to action in the second. UCLA didn’t miss a beat.

The Bruins held South Carolina to just 25.7% shooting in the first half and carried a 36–23 lead into the break. Then came the knockout punch.

UCLA outscored the Gamecocks 25–9 in the third quarter, fueled by a 13–0 run that pushed the lead to 61–32—the largest margin entering the fourth quarter in NCAA championship game history. South Carolina never recovered, finishing the night shooting just 18-of-62 from the field and 2-of-15 from beyond the arc.

It was a defensive masterclass. After holding Texas to a season-low 44 points in the semifinal, UCLA limited South Carolina to its lowest scoring output of the season.

As the final seconds ticked away, the moment belonged to a senior class that delivered on the biggest stage. Betts, Jaquez, Rice, Dugalic, Leger-Walker, and Gianna Kneepkens all closed their college careers as champions.

After the nets were cut down, Betts, Jaquez, and Leger-Walker returned to the stage, celebrating with the same viral dance that had become part of their journey. There was laughter, tears, and embraces—a fitting ending for a group that etched its place in program history.

UCLA will face roster turnover heading into next season, but the foundation has changed. With a national title secured, head coach Cori Close now leads a program with championship pedigree—and a future just as promising as its present.