UCLA withstands Texas' late charge, reaches first national championship game with grinding 51-44 win

Last edited Sat Apr 4, 2026, 05:16 AM - Edit history (1)

PHOENIX (AP) — Lauren Betts hit the play button over and over, forcing herself to watch last year’s Final Four blowout loss to UConn 10 times during the offseason.

The two-time All-American made sure there wasn’t a repeat performance in this year’s Final Four, swooping in for the biggest play in a game that sends the Bruins into the NCAA national championship game for the first time.

Heeding her coaches’ persistent advice to sprint back on defense, Betts swatted fellow All-American Madison Booker with 20 seconds left, allowing UCLA to withstand a late charge by Texas for a 51-44 win in the Final Four on Friday night.

“When that play happened, I really have so much confidence that every time she is in a matchup, she’s going to find a way to alter, block, scare somebody from doing that,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. “I just think she’s spectacular.”



https://www.wect.com/2026/04/04/ucla-withstands-texas-late-charge-reaches-first-national-championship-game-with-grinding-51-44-win/