UCLA women’s basketball is heading to its first national championship in the NCAA era.
The No. 1 seed Bruins defeated the No. 1 seed Longhorns in the semi-finals of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Friday in Phoenix, Arizona. It was a low-scoring game on both sides, as UCLA gave up 23 turnovers in its 51-44 victory over Texas.
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) high fives guard Kiki Rice (1) after a shot against the Texas Longhorns during the second half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
UCLA made it to the Final Four for the first time in the NCAA era last year but ultimately fell short to UConn. This time around, the Bruins will get a chance to battle for the national title.
UCLA will go head-to-head with No. 1 seed South Carolina in the national championship game. The Gamecocks are 36-3 this season and dealt No. 1 seed UConn its first loss in 54 games in the semi-finals on Friday.
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) and guard Agot Makeer (44) and guard Ta’niya Latson (00) celebrate after defeating the UConn Huskies in a semifinal of the Final Four of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
UCLA has not played against South Carolina this season. The last time the Bruins saw the Gamecocks was on Nov. 24 when UCLA defeated South Carolina 77-62 at Pauley Pavilion. It was the first time UCLA took down a No. 1 ranked team in program history.
The Bruins have a chance to make more program history on Sunday in the national championship game. UCLA won an AIAW national championship in 1978 but this would be the Bruins’ first NCAA national title in program history.
The national championship game will be available to stream on ESPN, Fubo and Sling TV on Sunday at 12:30 pm PT.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
