Follow along for live updates of the NCAA Women’s National Championship clash in Phoenix between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the UCLA Bruins.
In the end, only two teams remained standing.
The 2026 NCAA Women’s national championship game pits a showdown between No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks and No. 1 UCLA Bruins. The display of top seeds defines this matchup as Dawn Staley is seeking her fourth championship with the Gamecocks and third in five years.
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Since UCLA’s NCAA arrival in 1982, the Bruins will play in their first-ever championship game. Led by Lauren Betts and head coach Cori Close, the Bruins seek to bring a trophy to The Golden State.
March Madness Coverage: South Carolina vs. UCLA Preview | South Carolina UPSETS UConn | Texas vs. UCLA Final Four Preview | UConn vs. South Carolina Final Four Preview | Fort 1 Region Preview | Fort 3 Region Preview | Sacramento Region 2 Preview | Sacramento Region 4 Preview
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South Carolina’s Defense Is the Real Deal
Sunday’s marquee matchup between the Gamecocks and Bruins is the first this season, and sixth overall. South Carolina leads the series 4-1 under Staley, though UCLA trounced the Gamecocks 77-62 in November 2024. The last time both teams faced off was in the 2023 Sweet 16. Under the Kamilla Cardoso and Aliyah Boston era, South Carolina routed UCLA 59-43, but went on to lose against Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Final Four.
Today is the battle of two elite defenses. Raven Johnson and the Gamecocks stunned No. 1 UConn Huskies 62-48. A dominant performance, South Carolina shut down UConn’s offense entirely, forcing 10 turnovers. Not only did sharpshooter Azzi Fudd shoot 3-of-15 from the field, but National Player of the Year, Sarah Strong, shot 4-of-16 for 12 points. Plus, Raven took it upon herself to guard the 6’2″ Strong.
Sometimes the box score doesn’t tell the whole story, and I think that’s the case with Raven Johnson today
While she only has 2 points so far, she’s played tremendous defense all game
And that’s what winners do: make an impact without needing to score https://t.co/zWdJciedTh pic.twitter.com/2qC7rJ0JPc
— Point Made Joshua (@pointmadejosh) April 4, 2026
The Gamecocks not only snapped UConn’s 54 game win-streak, but they also locked down passing lanes and offensive actions. A drama-filled evening, the game’s conclusion featured a heated exchange between Staley and Geno Auriemma. From Strong’s ripped jersey to halftime rants, South Carolina left UConn in disarray.
Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson was the hero, leading the Gamecocks with 16 points. Joining her in double figures were Joyce Edward, who had a stellar performance with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, and Tessa Johnson (10 points). Perhaps South Carolina’s hidden ace was Agot Makeer, who contributed 14 points off the bench.
UCLA Seeking Its First Championship
UCLA avenged itself against the Texas Longhorns and came out victorious 51-44 in the Final Four. There’s a reason why Close made the case that UCLA was the No. 1 overall seed over UConn. With a 36-1 record, the Bruins took care of Cap Baptist, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, and Duke.
Facing Madison Booker and company posed a challenge, but the Bruins did not waver defensively. UCLA’s stifling defense held Booker to 3-of-23 shooting from the field and Texas to 44 points overall. Yes, you read that correctly, 44 points.
The amount of history Cori Close has made at UCLA is ASTRONOMICAL.
And LOOK at the emotion in the moment as the clock hits zero, and Close leads the Bruins to the NCAA National Title Game for the FIRST time ever.
Just incredible. pic.twitter.com/MqJYDYcKl6
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) April 4, 2026
Led by Betts’ 16-point, 11-rebound outing, Gianna Kneepkens, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice scored in double figures each. Defensively, UCLA held Texas to 20-of-65 (31%) from the field and 2-of-9 (22%) from three.
It’s an old tale that defense wins championships, and this should be a low-scoring affair between two elite programs. While I’m not convinced this game will be an offensive showing, it will come down to who can lock down defensively and consistently.
FINAL: South Carolina vs. UCLA
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Halftime Leaders
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Starting Lineups
SOUTH CAROLINA: Raven Johnson | Ta’Niya Latson | Tessa Johnson | Joyce Edwards | Madina Okot
UCLA: Kiki Rice | Charlisse Leger-Walker | Gabriela Jaquez | Gianna Kneepkens | Lauren Betts
OFFICIALS:
LINE: SC: -4.5
O/U: 127.5
Prediction: South Carolina 62, UCLA 59
Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Staff Writer at Ballislife.com, as well as Director of Ballislife Bets. Follow her on X at @SaraJGamelli.
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