Los Angeles Times • 4/5/2026 – 4/6/2026

UCLA won its first NCAA women's basketball national championship by defeating South Carolina in the championship game. The Bruins dominated the match, showcasing a strong performance across all phases of the game. This victory marks a significant achievement for UCLA and its head coach, Cori Close, who secured her first championship title with this win. The game took place on Sunday, and the Bruins' decisive victory over the Gamecocks highlighted their prowess throughout the tournament. South Carolina, coached by Dawn Staley, was seeking its third title in five seasons but fell short against UCLA. Following the game, Staley expressed her admiration for Close, referring to her as a "quality person" and praising the Bruins for their performance. The loss was a disappointment for the Gamecocks, who had aimed to continue their recent success in women's college basketball. The championship win adds to UCLA's storied history in athletics, bringing another national title to Westwood. The Bruins' performance in the final was characterized by their ability to control the game and execute their strategy effectively, leading to a blowout victory over a formidable opponent in South Carolina. This championship not only signifies a milestone for the UCLA women's basketball program but also reflects the growing competitiveness of women's college basketball on a national scale.
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