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UCLA Bruins Win First NCAA Championship, Defeat South Carolina 79-51

4/8/2026

Summary

UCLA Bruins Triumph

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team won its first NCAA championship by defeating South Carolina 79-51.
Coach Cori Close emphasized teamwork, noting six seniors contributed to the victory.
Lauren Betts was named the Most Outstanding Player.
Gabriela Jaquez recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Bruins' defense limited South Carolina to 29 percent shooting.
The win extended UCLA's 31-game winning streak.

Summary

UCLA Targets Recruits

UCLA women's basketball is prioritizing recruiting for the upcoming season, targeting two lead guards, a rim protector, and a versatile wing scorer.
Donovyn Hunter from Texas Christian University (TCU), Kymora Johnson from the University of Virginia, and Skylar Forbes from Marquette University are among the targets.
Aaliyah Crump from the University of Texas is on UCLA's radar after an injury cut her freshman season short, signaling plans for future competitions.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NCAA women's basketball championship in 1982 marked a significant milestone for women's sports, following a decade of growth that saw participation increase by 500% from 1971 to 1982. Louisiana Tech won the title, defeating Cheyney State 76-62, and set a precedent for future competitions. This victory laid the groundwork for programs like UCLA, emphasizing the importance of strategic team building in women's basketball.

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UCLA Bruins Triumph

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team won its first NCAA championship by defeating South Carolina 79-51.
Coach Cori Close emphasized teamwork, noting six seniors contributed to the victory.
Lauren Betts was named the Most Outstanding Player.
Gabriela Jaquez recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Bruins' defense limited South Carolina to 29 percent shooting.
The win extended UCLA's 31-game winning streak.

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