UCLA Beats Texas, Advances to National Championship

The stage is set. 

UCLA will play South Carolina in the national championship on Sunday after beating Texas in the Final Four 51-44. 

Lauren Betts led the way with 16 points on 7/10 shooting and 11 boards. She had a crucial block in the closing minutes to help stifle Texas’ last run. 

Kiki Rice scored 11 while Gianna Kneepkens and Gabriela Jaquez also hit double figures with 10 each. 

Texas battled back multiple times but never could quite overtake the Bruins. UCLA led for 94% of the game. 

The 2026 national championship will feature two teams that made the Final Four last year, but ultimately fell short against Connecticut. 

Tip off is at 12:30 pm at Mortgage Matchup Center.