For the first time since 1978, and the first time in the NCAA era, the UCLA women are national basketball champions after a 79-51 finals blowout victory Sunday over favored powerhouse South Carolina. This was her 15th season as the Bruins' boss, which previously made her the longest tenured coach without a national title. This was UCLA's first finals appearance in the NCAA era, and they were trying to win their first title since Anne Meyers-Drysdale led the Bruins to an AIAW championship in 1978. She was fouled, converted a three-point play, and the Bruins were quickly sending a message. At halftime UCLA led 36-23 and the game was essentially over.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 06, 2026 02:29 UTC