UCLA Women's Basketball Claims First NCAA Title in 48 Years

Original: Six seniors, four transfers, 48 years in the making: How UCLA won its first NCAA title

Espn•Apr 6, 20268 min

In a Nutshell

UCLA's women's basketball team made history by winning its first NCAA championship title in 48 years, defeating South Carolina 79-51 in the final. Key contributions came from seniors Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez, who led the team throughout the tournament, culminating in a dominant performance that showcased their journey from past disappointments to triumph.

Key Points

01UCLA won its first NCAA women's basketball title since 1978, defeating South Carolina 79-51.
02Seniors Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez were pivotal, scoring 14 and 21 points respectively in the final.
03The Bruins' journey included overcoming previous tournament disappointments, with a record of 37-1 this season.
04Coach Cori Close emphasized team unity and building a championship culture over 15 years.
05The victory honors the legacy of UCLA's women's basketball pioneers from the 1978 championship.

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Full Summary

UCLA's women's basketball team achieved a historic milestone by winning its first NCAA title in 48 years, defeating South Carolina 79-51 in the championship game held in Phoenix. The Bruins showcased a dominant performance, with seniors Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez leading the charge, scoring 14 and 21 points respectively. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the program, which had previously faced multiple setbacks in the tournament, including six exits in the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight from 2016 to 2024. Coach Cori Close, who has been building the program for 15 years, highlighted the importance of teamwork and resilience. Betts, who transferred from Stanford, played a crucial role in the team's success, embodying the spirit of overcoming past challenges. The championship win not only adds to UCLA's legacy but also honors the pioneers of women's basketball, as this title is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the current team. The Bruins finished the season with an impressive record of 37-1, solidifying their place in NCAA history.

Key Figures