UCLA is one of the most consequential programs in women's college basketball history. Its tournament exploits are finally starting to reflect that stature.

Plus, the vaunted UConn Huskies, the defending champions, lost earlier Friday. So the Longhorns knew when they took they court, if they could get past the Bruins for a second time this season, they'd go up against a South Carolina team it had beaten two out of the last three meetings. Not a UConn team that had won 54 straight coming into Friday.

The UCLA Bruins are in town to take part in the Women's Final Four at Mortgage Matchup Center. Read more about them.

All-American center Lauren Betts has led the UCLA Bruins to new heights in women’s basketball. The Stanford transfer’s scoring and rebounding prowess led the Bruins to the school’s first two Women’s Final Fours in the NCAA era (since 1982).

Texas fell to UCLA 51-44 on April 3, 2026 in the Final Four national semifinals of the NCAA Tournament in Phoenix. The Longhorns went 35-4 this season.

Follow live for updates from the South Carolina-UCLA Women's NCAA Tournament Championship on Sunday, April 5, including real-time highlights, scores, results, stats and more as it happens.

UCLA alumni said the team's values and a desire to support women's sports inspired them to travel to Arizona to cheer on the Bruins during the Final Four.

UCLA was not viewed as the toughest team at the Final Four, but the Bruins proved they can win a prize fight with a bruising victory over Texas.