Key Points
Bullet point summary by AI
- The South Carolina Gamecocks face the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA Women’s Championship on Sunday, aiming for their third title in five years.
- Experts will provide live updates and analysis, highlighting key moments from players like Lauren Betts and Madison Booker.
- This matchup features Staley’s steady leadership against UCLA’s defensive grit, following a low-scoring, tightly-contested Final Four win.
South Carolina had everything to play for in the first half against UCLA. What we expected was for a Dawn Staley-coached team to come with a gameplan against one of the best defensive teams in the country in the Bruins. However, a balanced scoring attack for UCLA – paired with holding the Gamecocks to under 30 percent shooting from the field and under 15 percent from three – was enough to have USC fans doubting their chances. FanSided will have live updates the rest of the way as Staley and South Carolina try to mount a comeback.
Where is women's National Championship game being held?
- Game: UCLA vs South Carolina
- Time: 3:30pm ET tip-off
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
The women's national championship game is being held in Phoenix, Arizona. There is no real home-court advantage for either of these teams, but the Bruins undoubtedly have the most fans in attendance. UCLA last won a national championship in the late-1970's, while South Carolina is searching for their fourth of the Staley era.
UCLA vs South Carolina: First quarter summary
- Score: UCLA 21, South Carolina 10
- Leading scorer: Tessa Johnson, 7 points
For those hoping for a high-scoring affair, I have bad news for you. It takes two to tango. While UCLA scored 21 points on 44 percent shooting, the same cannot be said of South Carolina. The Bruins defense thwarted early attempts by the Gamecocks, with Staley's team shooting only a shade over 20 percent from the field.
UCLA Bruins take double-digit lead over South Carolina Gamecocks at halftime
- Score: UCLA 36, South Carolina: 23
- Leading scorer: Tessa Johnson, 10 points
UCLA is halfway to its first National Chamionship since 1978. While South Carolina's poor shot selection didn't help, the Bruins played defense much like they did against Texas in the Final Four. UCLA made the game ugly, and that was easily their best path to victory.
South Carolina shot just 13 percent from three, and 26 percent overall from the floor. If Staley's team is to mount any comeback, it will have to start on that end of the court. The 60-70 point range is more comfortable for UCLA, as it's what they are accustomed to. Gabriela Jaquez and Lauren Betts have been the starts for the Bruins, with 7 and 6 points respectively.