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UCLA Claims First Women’s Basketball National Title in Historic Rout
Clear Facts
- The UCLA Bruins defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 79-51 to win the first women’s basketball national championship in program history.
- UCLA’s suffocating defense held South Carolina to just 29% shooting from the floor throughout the dominant performance.
- Coach Cori Close led the Bruins to victory after the program reached its first Final Four just one season ago.
The UCLA Bruins made history on Sunday by securing the program’s first women’s basketball national championship. They dismantled the heavily favored South Carolina Gamecocks in a 79-51 blowout that showcased defensive discipline and offensive efficiency.
By the end of the third quarter, the Bruins held a massive 29-point lead over the Gamecocks. All five UCLA starters scored in double digits, led by Gabriela Jaquez, who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
South Carolina struggled to find any offensive rhythm against the aggressive UCLA pressure. The Gamecocks’ loss follows their recent 2024 title win and three consecutive appearances in the national championship game.
Lauren Betts also contributed a double-double for UCLA, tallying 14 points and 11 rebounds. The team finished the game shooting 43% from the floor, compared to a mere 29% for South Carolina.
The victory marks a milestone for Coach Cori Close, who has headed the Bruins program since 2011. After falling to UConn in last year’s Final Four, the Bruins successfully executed their formula to reach the pinnacle of college sports.
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