UCLA Destroys South Carolina 79-51 to Win First NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship

The UCLA Bruins just made history in the most dominant fashion imaginable. On Saturday night in Phoenix, Gabriela Jaquez poured in 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished 5 assists as UCLA dismantled defending champion South Carolina 79-51 to capture the program’s first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship.

Jaquez Delivers a Legendary Performance

Gabriela Jaquez was nothing short of spectacular in the biggest game of her career. The senior star connected on 8-of-14 shots from the field and added two three-pointers, becoming just the fifth player in history to post a 20-10-5 stat line in a national championship game. Her composure, court vision, and relentless energy set the tone from the opening tip, and South Carolina simply had no answer for her all-around brilliance.

A Historic Season Capped in Style

UCLA’s championship run caps off a jaw-dropping 37-1 season that included a perfect 18-0 record in Big Ten play. The Bruins never trailed in the title game, building a massive lead through suffocating defense and an unselfish offensive attack that left the Gamecocks reeling. The 28-point margin of victory was the third largest in the history of the Division I women’s championship game — a statement win that left zero doubt about the best team in the country.

Coach Cori Close’s Long-Awaited Triumph

For head coach Cori Close, this championship represents the culmination of years of building UCLA into a powerhouse. Close is now the longest-tenured head coach at a single school to win a first NCAA championship, and the emotion was palpable on the court. The Bruins’ dominant inside presence, unselfish ball movement, and lockdown defense were all hallmarks of Close’s coaching philosophy brought to life on the grandest stage.

What This Means for UCLA Basketball

This victory cements UCLA’s status as a premier women’s basketball program and sends a clear message to the rest of college basketball. With Jaquez delivering a performance for the ages and a roster built for sustained success, the Bruins have officially arrived. South Carolina, meanwhile, suffered their second-worst loss in NCAA tournament history — a stunning result for a program that entered the game as one of the favorites.

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