UCLA delivered a performance for the history books, dismantling South Carolina 79-51 to secure its first NCAA women’s basketball national championship. In a game that was expected to be tightly contested, the Bruins flipped the script early and never looked back, showcasing composure, precision, and relentless intensity on the biggest stage.

The victory marks a landmark moment for a program that had never previously reached the title game, yet played with the confidence of a seasoned champion.

UCLA Sets The Tone Early

Right from the opening minutes, UCLA dictated the pace and rhythm. By midway through the second quarter, the Bruins had surged ahead 30-15, silencing any doubts about nerves or inexperience.

At halftime, UCLA held a commanding 36-23 lead, having already established control on both ends of the floor.

Meanwhile, South Carolina, despite its deep championship experience, looked unsettled. The Gamecocks struggled to find offensive flow, converting just three of their first 18 shots. Even with Tessa Johnson showing flashes of efficiency, the rest of the starting lineup failed to keep up, combining for a cold shooting stretch that left them chasing the game.

Defensive Pressure Breaks South Carolina

UCLA’s defensive discipline proved just as decisive as its scoring. The Bruins tightened their grip early in the second half, extending their lead to 44-25 within three minutes of play.

From there, things only worsened for South Carolina.

The Bruins outscored their opponents by 16 points in the third quarter alone, stretching the margin to as many as 33 points. It was a complete breakdown for the Gamecocks, who never managed to recover.

Notably, UCLA once again neutralized a key offensive threat. After shutting down Texas star Madison Booker in the semifinal, they limited South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards to just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting, a performance far below her usual standard.

Gabriela Jaquez Leads A Complete Team Effort

At the center of UCLA’s dominance was Gabriela Jaquez, who delivered a standout all-around performance. She led all scorers with 21 points while adding 10 rebounds and five assists, controlling the game with both skill and intensity.

Her late three-pointer, followed by an emotional celebration, captured the moment perfectly as UCLA closed in on victory.

Adding to the effort, Lauren Betts contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds despite dealing with breathing issues earlier in the game. Her impact earned her the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.

With her brother, Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., watching from the stands, Gabriela Jaquez’s performance carried extra significance, highlighting a memorable family moment on college basketball’s biggest stage.

Coaches And Players Reflect On Historic Win

After the final buzzer, UCLA coach Cori Close praised her team’s mindset and resilience.

“I’m just so confident in their character, and that’s what determined how they played today,” UCLA coach Cori Close said on ESPN after the win.

For the players, the journey to this moment had been long and deliberate. Jaquez reflected on the months of preparation that led to the championship triumph.

“We’ve been prepping for this since Sept. 25th. That was when our first practice was,” Jaquez said on ESPN after the game. “And for a long time, we set out for this. I’m just so, so proud. What a great way to end it.”

South Carolina’s Championship Struggles Continue

In contrast, South Carolina’s defeat marked another difficult chapter in recent championship appearances. It was their second consecutive blowout loss in the NCAA final, following last year’s 82-59 defeat to Connecticut.

Despite entering the game as a battle-tested contender, the Gamecocks could not match UCLA’s intensity or execution.

A Defining Moment For UCLA

For UCLA, this victory is more than just a title, it signals the arrival of a new powerhouse in women’s college basketball.

From the opening tip to the final whistle, the Bruins controlled every aspect of the game. They executed with precision, defended with purpose, and played with a belief that never wavered.

And when the moment came, they didn’t just win. They dominated.