UCLA Captures First Women's Basketball National Championship in Dominant Fashion

The UCLA Bruins delivered a commanding performance in the 2026 national championship game, overpowering South Carolina 79-51 in Phoenix to claim the program's first-ever NCAA DI women's basketball title. The 28-point victory marks the third-largest margin of victory in the history of the women's title game, a testament to UCLA's dominance on both ends of the floor against the powerhouse Gamecocks. From the opening tip, the Bruins set the tone. By the end of the first quarter, UCLA had established a 21-10 lead behind efficient shooting and aggressive perimeter defense that disrupted South Carolina's rhythm. That momentum carried into halftime with a 36-23 advantage, and by the end of the third quarter, the Bruins had effectively put the game out of reach at 61-32. The frontcourt duo of Lauren Betts and Jaquez proved unstoppable. Both players finished with double-doubles: Jaquez poured in 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Betts anchored the paint with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Through three quarters, the pair had combined for 24 points and 18 rebounds, nearly matching South Carolina's entire team output. "I think it starts with that perimeter pressure," Betts said after the historic win. "Our guards did a really good job of just making it difficult for them. I think once we get stops, they're just not able to do what they want to do." UCLA's path to the championship was nothing short of impressive, navigating a gauntlet that included victories over Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Duke, Texas, and finally, South Carolina. As the sports world turns its attention to the upcoming week, don't forget that My Bet Assist provides daily graded picks to help you navigate the action. Our transparent, AI-driven approach ensures you always know exactly where you stand. --- Related reading: See how the men's championship played out in our recap of Michigan's gritty win over UConn.