Bruins win first Women’s NCAA Championship in program history backed by Jacquez’s 21-point double-double

All five starters on UCLA scored in double figures

PHOENIX (KYMA) - UCLA delivered a performance for the ages Monday night, overwhelming South Carolina 79-51 to secure the first NCAA women's basketball national championship in program history.

The Bruins dominated from start to finish, controlling the game on both ends of the floor and never allowing the Gamecocks to find a rhythm.

UCLA's 28-point margin underscored a complete effort fueled by efficient shooting, interior dominance and balanced scoring.

South Carolina struggled offensively throughout the night, shooting just 29% from the field and going 2-for-15 from three-point range. The Gamecocks' 51 points marked their lowest scoring output of the season.

UCLA, meanwhile, capitalized on its opportunities, shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc (8 of 19) while consistently attacking inside. The Bruins' offense flowed through Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez, who each recorded double-doubles.

Beyond its star performers, UCLA showcased depth and balance. Every starter reached double figures, and Angela Dugalić scored nine off the bench.

"It doesn't matter if you take one person away," Dugalić said. "Our whole bench can score and we were really working as a unit together."

The victory caps a historic run for the Bruins, who finished the tournament with authority and delivered a breakthrough moment for the program.

UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond praised the team’s journey and resilience.

"They made history," Jarmond said. "In the modern era, we haven't won an NCAA national championship. We won the AIAW in 1978, and you always need someone to do it first, and this group was the one."

Jarmond highlighted the team’s core, including standout contributors who developed together over multiple seasons.

"It's been an unbelievable journey for them," he said. "They always fought for each other to just be together and play one more day together. To start in November and be here on the last day and to win by 28 points, that shows you how special this team is."

He added that the Bruins' accomplishment could have lasting significance.

"I think they’re going to go down as one of the greats in college basketball history," Jarmond said.

For UCLA, the night marked more than just a championship. It was a defining moment that rewrote the program's legacy and set a new standard for the future.