UCLA Bruins Advance to Final Four, Aiming for National Championship
PHOENIX — Lauren Betts stood in the postgame handshake line at UCLA, a look of disbelief on her face.
This moment was exactly why Betts chose to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and return to UCLA for one final season. She has already guided the Bruins to the Final Four, a milestone the program had never reached before.
Her goal was to make one last push for the championship.
Leading UCLA to an impressive 35-1 record, they celebrated a remarkable 29-game winning streak. The Bruins claimed both the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, earning a spot in their second consecutive Final Four.
In a hard-fought game, the Bruins overcame Texas 51-44, avenging their only loss of the season and inching closer to their first national title since the NCAA tournament began.
“We were discussing this in the locker room. It’s something we’ve all imagined being a part of,” Betts shared. “We expected to be here, and we’re incredibly grateful. Tonight, I’ll celebrate with my family and then focus on what’s next tomorrow.”
Texas pushed UCLA to the limit, narrowing the gap to three points with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter. But Betts made a crucial defensive play, blocking a layup attempt from Madison Booker on a fast break.
Kiki Rice sealed the game with four free throws in the final seconds.
Last year, head coach Cori Close had promised the Bruins would return stronger. “We need to turn this pain into motivation for the future,” she said after their earlier Final Four exit.
And that’s precisely what unfolded.
The Bruins return with a formidable lineup, including seniors Betts, Rice, Gabriella Jacks, and Angela Dugalich. They’ve enhanced their roster with Gianna Neepkens, a transfer from Utah, and graduate student Charlis Leger-Walker—six players likely to be in contention at the upcoming WNBA Draft.
They’re set to face a tough South Carolina squad that triumphed over UW just hours before.
The Shamcocks are aiming for their third national title in the last five years, making this their fourth appearance in the championship game.
Yet, the Bruins are approaching this challenge with a sense of freedom and would love to play together one last time.
“The job isn’t finished yet,” Jaquez remarked.
