The UCLA Bruins are making special celebration plans after the women’s basketball program won its first-ever NCAA title after Cori Close’s team defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks in the national championship game in Phoenix by 28 points.
UCLA reporter Tracy McDannald shared UCLA’s statement regarding the team’s return to campus on Sunday between 9:30 and 10 p.m. The Bruins want fans to join them and make the welcome back special for their players and coaching staff.
“All Bruin fans and media members are invited to attend and welcome our national champions back home,” the school released a statement. “Team buses will arrive at the loading dock behind the Mo Ostin Basketball Center and near the Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial access tunnel, on the corner of Strathmore Place and Charles E. Young Drive.”
UCLA Beats South Carolina To Win First NCAA Championship
On Sunday, UCLA entered the game with history in sight. All they had to do was take down national powerhouse South Carolina. They took the obstacle head-on and defeated the Gamecocks with ease.
The 79-51 blowout win gave UCLA its first-ever NCAA women’s basketball title. Their only previous national title came in 1978 under the AIAW.
The Bruins dominated the game right from the start as they never trailed in the game. Their strong defense crippled South Carolina to just 29% shooting from the field. Moreover, all five of UCLA’s starters were in double figures in terms of scoring.
Gabriela Jaquez and Lauren Betts recorded double-double figures. Jaquez led UCLA with 21 points and Betts’ dominant inside presence earned her Most Outstanding Player. From the backcourt, Kiki Rice handled the ball well.
According to UCLA head coach Cori Close, the Bruins were confident to win tonight.
“I really did expect us to win today,” Close said. “I felt very peaceful all day. It wasn’t about whether we got the ‘W’ or not. I wanted us to be able to play our best when our best was needed, and we delivered on that.”
Jaquez, who also had 10 rebounds and five assists, said:
“Since the roster was made, we just knew we had the tools. It was just about staying focused and working hard to be the versions of ourselves. That led us to this moment.”
Close’s hard work building the UCLA program for over a decade finally has something to celebrate.
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