In a thrilling Elite Eight matchup, the No. 1 seed UCLA Bruins avenged last year’s NCAA Tournament loss with a hard-fought 72-65 victory over No. 3 seed LSU, securing its first-ever Final Four berth.
The top-seeded Bruins, led by standout center Lauren Betts, displayed resilience and growth in Spokane, Wash., overcoming the same Tigers squad that ended their run in 2024. This win not only marked a historic milestone for UCLA but also set the stage for an exciting Final Four journey, proving that redemption in March Madness is unforgettable.
UCLA Bruins Reach First Final Four
Though UCLA came out victorious, LSU refused to back down, pushing the Bruins to their limits.
UCLA’s total team effort was key in holding off LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, who scored a game-high 28 points, shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range.
Despite UCLA holding a 14-point lead in the second half, LSU fought back, and Johnson’s layup with just over three minutes left narrowed the gap to 56-53, turning the game into a tense, one-possession battle.
The Bruins pulled away, though, defeating Kim Mulkey and the Tigers by seven.
Postgame locker room vibes were all the way up! 📈#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/lgyfcX0GGm
— UCLA Women’s Basketball (@UCLAWBB) March 31, 2025
After the game, head coach Cori Close praised Timea Gardiner, who responded to a tough Sweet 16 performance with a strong showing against LSU.
“I texted her after a tough Sweet 16 game, ‘We need you to respond,’ and I was confident she would step up big—she did,” Close said.
Gardiner finished with 15 points, all from beyond the arc, shooting 5-for-8 from three-point range. She also added 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Her hot shooting was crucial, especially in the second quarter when Betts was in foul trouble, helping UCLA outscore LSU 22-12 and take a 31-25 halftime lead.
Close also reminded everyone that this wasn’t the Bruins’ first Final Four appearance. “Back in 1978, during the AIAW era, this program claimed a national title and reached the Final Four,” Close said postgame, acknowledging the team’s rich history.
“We were honored to have alumni like Debbie Willie Haliday and Denise Curry, along with several others from that championship squad, cheering us on today.” Her words highlighted the legacy that has fueled UCLA’s current success.
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UCLA’s hard-fought victory over LSU marks a historic achievement for the Bruins. The Bruins secured their first-ever Final Four appearance in the modern NCAA Tournament era.
With standout performances from players like Betts and Gardiner and the leadership of Close, UCLA is now poised for an exciting run in the national semifinals. As they continue their journey, the Bruins are not just playing for a title—they’re rewriting their legacy in March Madness.
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