South Carolina vs. UCLA: 2026 NCAA Ladies's Nationwide Championship LIVE Log

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Comply with alongside for reside updates of the NCAA Ladies’s Nationwide Championship conflict in Phoenix between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the UCLA Bruins.

Ultimately, solely two groups remained standing.

The 2026 NCAA Ladies’s nationwide championship sport pits a showdown between No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks and No. 1 UCLA Bruins. The show of high seeds defines this matchup as Daybreak Staley is looking for her fourth championship with the Gamecocks and third in 5 years.

South Carolina vs. UCLA: 2026 NCAA Ladies's Nationwide Championship LIVE Log — Images courtesy of Getty Photos

Since UCLA’s NCAA arrival in 1982, the Bruins will play of their first-ever championship sport. Led by Lauren Betts and head coach Cori Shut, the Bruins search to carry a trophy to The Golden State.

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South Carolina’s Protection Is the Actual Deal

Sunday’s marquee matchup between the Gamecocks and Bruins is the primary this season, and sixth total. South Carolina leads the collection 4-1 below Staley, although UCLA trounced the Gamecocks 77-62 in November 2024. The final time each groups confronted off was within the 2023 Candy 16. Below the Kamilla Cardoso and Aliyah Boston period, South Carolina routed UCLA 59-43, however went on to lose towards Caitlin Clark and Iowa within the Last 4.

Right now is the battle of two elite defenses. Raven Johnson and the Gamecocks shocked No. 1 UConn Huskies 62-48. A dominant efficiency, South Carolina shut down UConn’s offense completely, forcing 10 turnovers. Not solely did sharpshooter Azzi Fudd shoot 3-of-15 from the sphere, however Nationwide Participant of the Yr, Sarah Robust, shot 4-of-16 for 12 factors. Plus, Raven took it upon herself to protect the 6’2″ Robust.

Typically the field rating doesn’t inform the entire story, and I believe that’s the case with Raven Johnson in the present day

Whereas she solely has 2 factors to this point, she’s performed super protection all sport

And that’s what winners do: make an influence without having to attain https://t.co/zWdJciedTh pic.twitter.com/2qC7rJ0JPc

— Level Made Joshua (@pointmadejosh) April 4, 2026

The Gamecocks not solely snapped UConn’s 54 sport win-streak, however in addition they locked down passing lanes and offensive actions. A drama-filled night, the sport’s conclusion featured a heated change between Staley and Geno Auriemma. From Robust’s ripped jersey to halftime rants, South Carolina left UConn in disarray.

Florida State switch Ta’Niya Latson was the hero, main the Gamecocks with 16 factors. Becoming a member of her in double figures have been Joyce Edward, who had a stellar efficiency with 11 factors, 8 rebounds, and three steals, and Tessa Johnson (10 factors). Maybe South Carolina’s hidden ace was Agot Makeer, who contributed 14 factors off the bench.

UCLA Searching for Its First Championship

UCLA avenged itself towards the Texas Longhorns and got here out victorious 51-44 within the Last 4. There is a purpose why Shut made the case that UCLA was the No. 1 total seed over UConn. With a 36-1 file, the Bruins took care of Cap Baptist, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, and Duke.

Going through Madison Booker and firm posed a problem, however the Bruins didn’t waver defensively. UCLA’s stifling protection held Booker to 3-of-23 capturing from the sphere and Texas to 44 factors total. Sure, you learn that accurately, 44 factors.

The quantity of historical past Cori Shut has made at UCLA is ASTRONOMICAL.

And LOOK on the emotion within the second because the clock hits zero, and Shut leads the Bruins to the NCAA Nationwide Title Sport for the FIRST time ever.

Simply unimaginable. 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 every. Defensively, UCLA held Texas to 20-of-65 (31%) from the sphere and 2-of-9 (22%) from three.

It is an previous story that protection wins championships, and this ought to be a low-scoring affair between two elite applications. Whereas I am not satisfied this sport will probably be an offensive displaying, it should come right down to who can lock down defensively and persistently.

FINAL: South Carolina vs. UCLA

Last Scoring Leaders

South Carolina

POINTS: ASSISTS:REBOUNDS:STEALS:BLOCKS:

UCLA

POINTS:ASSISTS:REBOUNDS:STEALS:BLOCKS:

First Quarter:

Second Quarter:

Halftime Leaders

South Carolina

POINTS: ASSISTS:REBOUNDS:STEALS:BLOCKS:

UCLA

POINTS:ASSISTS:REBOUNDS:STEALS:BLOCKS:

Third Quarter:

Fourth Quarter:

Beginning Lineups

OFFICIALS:

LINE: SC: -4.5O/U: 127.5

Prediction: South Carolina 62, UCLA 59

Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Workers Author at Ballislife.com, in addition to Director of Ballislife Bets. Comply with her on X at @SaraJGamelli.

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