NCAA Basketball

UCLA downs Texas to set up women’s NCAA title game against South Carolina

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UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates after a play against Texas during the first half of a women's NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) (Rick Scuteri/AP)

The UCLA Bruins are headed to their first women’s NCAA tournament title game.

Lauren Betts scored a game-high 16 points with 11 rebounds and three blocks to lead No. 1 UCLA over the No. 1 Texas Longhorns 51-44 in the Final Four on Friday night to secure their maiden voyage to the national championship.

This was the Bruins’ second consecutive trip to the Final Four after they were blown out by the eventual champion UConn Huskies last year.

UCLA will now set their sights on No. 1 South Carolina for Sunday’s final after the Gamecocks took down UConn earlier on Friday.

More to come.