Coming into the Final Four in Phoenix, UCLA Bruins women’s basketball felt overlooked despite being one of the top teams all season. Many didn’t expect them to be the last team standing—but the Bruins used that lack of respect as fuel.

On Friday night, UCLA got its revenge against Texas Longhorns women’s basketball, avenging their only loss of the season from November and punching their ticket to the national championship game.

Awaiting them was powerhouse South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball, led by head coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks were no strangers to big moments, but they had already experienced UCLA’s ability firsthand—the Bruins snapped South Carolina’s 43-game winning streak in Westwood back in 2024.

This time, the stakes were even higher.

From the opening tip, UCLA controlled the game with physicality, defense, and composure. Lauren Betts was a dominant force inside, recording a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, setting the tone in the paint.

Defensively, Kiki Rice delivered one of the most impactful performances of the night. She locked down South Carolina star Raven Johnson, holding her to a season-low three points and completely disrupting the Gamecocks’ offensive rhythm.

But the star of the night was Gabriela Jaquez. She led all scorers with 21 points, showcasing confidence and poise on the biggest stage while powering UCLA’s offense from start to finish. When the final buzzer sounded, it wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.

UCLA defeated South Carolina 79–51, capturing their first national championship since the 1978–79 season and completing a remarkable run that silenced every doubter along the way. This wasn’t just a championship performance—it was dominance.