The 2026 Final Four witnessed two significant victories that set the stage for an unforgettable national championship game. South Carolina ended UConn's perfect season, stopping their remarkable 54-game winning streak with a decisive 62-48 win. In parallel, UCLA achieved a program milestone, reaching their inaugural NCAA title game by overcoming Texas 51-44. These results have created an exciting matchup for the final showdown in Phoenix.
The South Carolina versus UConn game commenced with an intense atmosphere, characterized by significant physical play. Both teams battled fiercely for a coveted spot in the national title game. Ultimately, South Carolina emerged victorious, a outcome that visibly displeased UConn's head coach, Geno Auriemma, who had a heated exchange with South Carolina's coach, Dawn Staley, as the game concluded.
South Carolina established a physically aggressive and defensive tone early in the game. The first half was a tight contest, with UConn holding a narrow 26-24 lead going into the third quarter. However, South Carolina began to assert dominance in the third quarter, with Madina Okot dominating inside and Ta'Niya Latson efficiently distributing the ball and making free throws, allowing them to pull ahead.
The physical nature of the game continued, prompting UConn's Sarah Strong to tear her jersey in frustration. This moment coincided with Coach Auriemma's increasing frustration regarding the officiating and the level of physicality, which he expressed during an in-game interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe.
Despite UConn's efforts to close the gap to within two points, South Carolina extended their lead with crucial baskets from Maddy McDaniel and a three-pointer from Agot Makeer, establishing a seven-point advantage. Although Strong managed another three-pointer to reduce the deficit, South Carolina then launched an unstoppable 11-0 run that effectively sealed their victory.
UConn's 48-point performance marked their lowest score since the 2022 championship game, where they also suffered a loss to South Carolina. In this pivotal win, Latson spearheaded South Carolina's offense with 16 points, while Makeer, Joyce Edwards, and Tessa Johnson also contributed significantly, reaching double figures with 14, 11, and 10 points, respectively. Okot added 6 points and 9 rebounds. For UConn, Strong recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, and Ashlynn Shade scored 10 points. Azzi Fudd struggled, managing only 8 points on 3-for-15 shooting.
The second semifinal match between UCLA and Texas was equally defined by stingy defense. Texas endured a difficult shooting start in the first quarter, converting only 25% of their attempts, allowing UCLA to build a 14-6 lead after ten minutes. Madison Booker of Texas continued to struggle, making only 1 of 12 shots in the first half. However, Rori Harmon provided some offensive spark for the Longhorns, scoring eight points, reducing UCLA’s lead to just three at halftime.
The defensive struggle persisted in the second half, with both teams finding it challenging to generate offense. Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez scored for UCLA, maintaining their lead throughout the third quarter. With Booker on the bench, Justice Carlton stepped up for Texas, scoring seven consecutive points to bring the deficit down to one. Jaquez then hit two free throws, giving UCLA a 31-28 lead heading into the final quarter.
UCLA started the fourth quarter strong with Betts scoring from the free-throw line, followed by a three-pointer from Kiki Rice and a layup from Jaquez, extending their lead to ten points and forcing a Texas timeout. Texas mounted a comeback, slowly chipping away at the lead. Kyla Oldacre scored a layup, and Harmon's steal led to a basket by Jordan Lee, bringing Texas within three points. Despite UCLA's inability to score on their next possession, Betts delivered a critical block on Booker with 18.1 seconds remaining, preserving UCLA's lead.
Rice secured the victory for UCLA by making her free throws after being fouled immediately following the inbound pass. Booker's attempt to drive to the basket for Texas was thwarted when she stumbled and lost control of the ball. After another pair of successful free throws from Rice, UCLA officially clinched their spot in the championship. Betts finished with an impressive 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Gianna Kneepkens and Jaquez each contributed 10 points. For Texas, Booker had a challenging game, scoring only six points on 3-for-23 shooting, but Oldacre was a bright spot, leading her team with 11 points on 50% shooting.
The Final Four delivered thrilling basketball, culminating in South Carolina and UCLA earning their well-deserved places in the national championship game. South Carolina's dominant performance against UConn showcased their resilience and determination, while UCLA's historic victory over Texas highlighted their defensive prowess and clutch play. Fans can now look forward to an exciting finale as these two exceptional teams battle for the ultimate prize in women's college basketball.
