Connor David Dullinger

If Leger-Walker was going to find a time to light it up from deep, it was today. She hits her second 3-pointer as UCLA's lead extends to 18. UCLA leads 43-25.

Jaquez is just everywhere out there. Exerting herself early on the interior and making her presence known. She's already up to nine points and eight rebounds.

Cori Close told me that all of her former players now in the WNBA tell her they hope their teams draft Gabriela Jaquez. You can see why already in this title game — she fights for every loose ball, she's fearless out there.

Vying for its first NCAA title, No. 1 seed UCLA women’s basketball (36-1, 18-0 Big Ten) will face No. 1 seed South Carolina (36-3, 15-1 SEC) Sunday afternoon at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix in the national championship. The Bruins and the Gamecocks have not faced off since November 2024, when coach Cori Close’s squad upset the then-reigning national champions at Pauley Pavilion. Follow along for updates.

Q1: SOUTH CAROLINA 10 | UCLA 21
Lauren Betts: 2-for-2, four points, three rebounds
Gabriela Jaquez: 1-for-2, five points, four rebounds
Angela Dugalic: 2-for-3, four points

HALFTIME: SOUTH CAROLINA 23 | UCLA 36 
Lauren Betts: 3-for-6, six points, seven rebounds 
Gabriela Jaquez: 2-for-6, seven points, seven rebounds 
Gianna Kneepkens: 3-for-6, seven points, three assists 
Angela Dugalic: 3-for-6, six points

𝐄-𝐃𝐚𝐲 & 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 representing UCLA, in Phoenix, at the Women’s Final Four! #GoBruins | @UCLAWBB 🏀

Close takes a much-needed timeout after South Carolina is seemingly fighting with a renewed energy out there, forcing four UCLA turnovers in last five minutes.

UCLA is holding South Carolina to just 23% shooting from the field and 1-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

Kiki Rice with a massive step-back 3-pointer as the first quarter buzzer sounds. Her first points of the game. UCLA leads by 11.

Kneepkens needs to stop shooting that interior fade jumper.

Leger-Walker with a big 3-pointer, courtesy of a massive offensive rebound from Lena Bilic, who was a surprise early sub.

Jaquez with five points and four rebounds early, going to need everything from her to take home the trophy today.

Gabriela Jaquez with a miraculous and-one after immediately grabbing the offensive board after the missed shot from Angela Dugalic.

UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez's brother and Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is here to support for the national championship.

Battle!!!! @CoachSBeamer @UCLAWBB

Taking you back to game No. 1 for UCLA women’s basketball on their quest for a first NCAA championship. From Anaheim to Phoenix and Westwood inbetween. Our Haley Sawyer will have coverage all day long for @ocregister when UCLA tips off against South Carolina.

Some say kids don’t value education anymore. @silas_demaryjr different. Hours before the Final Four, he was finishing a 14-page essay, now he’s headed to the Championship game. Still focused. Still disciplined. Still handling business. A winner on and off the court.

Boos rain down from South Carolina fans as the Jumbotron shows Geno and UConn during a video of the past national championship winners.