UCLA vs South Carolina (79-51) — Game Breakdown & Player Spotlight

In a highly competitive matchup, the game between UCLA Bruins and South Carolina Gamecocks delivered intensity on both sides, with momentum swings, key individual performances, and strong coaching adjustments shaping the outcome from start to finish.

Game Flow: Back-and-Forth Battle from the Start

From the opening tip, UCLA established a controlled offensive rhythm, moving the ball efficiently and looking to dictate tempo. South Carolina responded immediately with aggressive on-ball defense and transition pressure, forcing UCLA into quicker possessions than they preferred.

The first half remained tight, with neither team leading by more than a single-digit margin. UCLA leaned on half-court execution, while South Carolina thrived off defensive disruption and fast-break opportunities.

The 2026 Final Four matchup between UCLA and South Carolina delivered a physical, championship-level battle defined by pace control, rebounding dominance, and defensive intensity.

UCLA, led by Kiki Rice’s floor leadership and Lauren Betts’ interior presence, kept the game tight through disciplined half-court execution. The Bruins generated key scoring runs in the second quarter, using ball movement and perimeter spacing to challenge South Carolina’s defensive structure.

However, South Carolina’s size and depth ultimately dictated the game. Kamilla Cardoso controlled the paint on both ends, anchoring the defense with rim protection while also finishing efficiently inside. South Carolina’s guard rotation, led by MiLaysia Fulwiley, provided critical scoring bursts that shifted momentum late in the second half.

From Culture to Championship- Coach Close Bring Home a Trophy

Cori Close has established herself as one of the most respected leaders in women’s college basketball, known for her discipline, player development, and commitment to building a strong team culture. As the head coach of UCLA Bruins, she has guided her program to the highest level of competition, culminating in a Final Four appearance this month in the NCAA Tournament. Her leadership is defined by defensive intensity, preparation, and a relentless focus on team execution in pressure moments. Beyond wins and championships, Coach Close is widely recognized for developing athletes on and off the court, helping them grow as players, leaders, and individuals while competing on the sport’s biggest stage.

UCLA Women’s Basketball — Graduating Players (2025–26 season)

For the 2025–26 UCLA women’s basketball team, the Bruins are expected to graduate six key players at the end of the season. These players form the core senior/graduate group that is moving on after the Final Four/National Championship run.

🔹 Graduating / Final-Year Players:

• Kiki Rice
• Lauren Betts
• Gabriela Jaquez
• Gianna Kneepkens
• Charlisse Leger-Walker
• Angela Dugalic

Gamecocks Fall with Class — Dawn Staley Sets the Tone Postgame

After a hard-fought NCAA Tournament battle between South Carolina Gamecocks and UCLA Bruins, Dawn Staley showed exactly why she is one of the most respected leaders in college basketball.

In her postgame remarks, Staley acknowledged the intensity of the matchup and credited both teams for competing at a high level on the sport’s biggest stage. Despite the loss, her focus remained on composure, growth, and respect for the game—reinforcing the culture she has built within the Gamecocks program.

Her message reflected accountability and class, emphasizing that championships are defined not only by wins, but also by how a team handles adversity. Even in defeat, South Carolina’s standard of excellence and leadership remained clear.

South Carolina Women’s Basketball — Graduating / Departing Players (2025–26)

The Gamecocks will experience a significant roster turnover after the 2025–26 season, with several key seniors and draft-eligible players moving on due to graduation and the WNBA Draft.

Confirmed Graduating / Departing Players from South Carolina

• Te-Hina Paopao – Graduated / WNBA Draft selection
• Sania Feagin – Graduated / WNBA Draft selection
• Bree Hall – Graduated / WNBA Draft selection
• Sakima Walker – Transfer / departure
• MiLaysia Fulwiley – Transferred out of program

Key Returning Core (Not Graduating This Season) – SC

• Raven Johnson
• Tessa Johnson
• Chloe Kitts (returning after injury recovery)
• Joyce Edwards
• Madina Okot