UCLA Off to Strong Start vs. South Carolina in Women’s Championship Game

Follow along with Sports Illustrated for live updates, highlights and analysis as the Bruins and Gamecocks battle for the championship.

UCLA had a 36–23 halftime lead over South Carolina. | Jordan Naholowaa Murph/Sports Illustrated

And then there was one. There have been a lot of games played over the last few weeks in the women’s NCAA tournament. Friday saw a rivalry reach new levels when South Carolina beat No. 1overall seed UConn, and Geno Auriemma made it personal. Then UCLA found a way to slow down Madison Booker—a feat scarcely seen this season—and showed that the Bruins have learned how to play ugly in its slog of a win over Texas.

Now it gives us a Bruins vs. Gamecocks matchup that, the more you dig into, is surprisingly evenly matched. So as the final game of the 2025–26 season prepares for tip-off, be sure to follow along with Sports Illustrated for live updates, highlights and analysis.

Live updates from the women’s NCAA championship

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