3 Ways UCLA Can Take Down Texas in Final Four

Evaluating three paths UCLA can take to punch its ticket to the finals.

Mar 8, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Gianna Kneepkens (8) reacts after a play against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

UCLA’s season now hinges on whether the Bruins can defeat the only team that has beaten it this season — Texas — in the Final Four.

Back in November, UCLA lost to Texas 76–65 in a game that was largely controlled by the Longhorns from start to finish. That loss appeared to strike a nerve with the Bruins, who went on to win 29 consecutive games afterward. Even so, UCLA still has a few issues to address before anyone can confidently predict a win in this rematch.

Start Hot

Mar 23, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalic (32) reacts after a three point basket by UCLA Bruins guard Lena Bilic (9) in the first half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

One concern that has carried over from that first loss is UCLA’s slow starts. The Bruins have struggled at times to establish momentum early in games. The same pattern appeared in their matchups against Duke and even Minnesota, depending on how far one wants to stretch that comparison. If UCLA falls behind early against Texas, there may not be much room to recover.

To solve that issue, UCLA must improve its ball security. In the Elite Eight against Duke, UCLA committed 12 turnovers in the first half, which allowed the Blue Devils to build a nine-point lead entering the third quarter. That type of performance cannot happen against a team like Texas.

Defensive Dominance

Mar 29, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalić (32) and center Lauren Betts (51) celebrate after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in an Elite Eight game in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

One of UCLA’s biggest strengths this season has been its defense. Unfortunately for the Bruins, Texas also possesses one of the best defensive units in the country. In this matchup, UCLA must find a way to assert itself on that side of the court.

If UCLA can force double-digit steals and add a few blocks, it could dramatically shift the momentum of the game. Players like Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalic will likely play a key role in making that happen.

Shooters Better Shoot

Mar 27, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (5) drives against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Beyond slow starts, UCLA’s shooting efficiency has also dipped compared to the regular season. We have seen noticeable statistical drops from Kiki Rice, Gianna Kneepkens, and Charlisse Leger-Walker. If the Bruins are able to pull away in this matchup, it will likely be because they rediscover their shooting efficiency.

UCLA still boasts one of the most explosive offensive rosters in college basketball. Several players on this team could easily serve as the primary scoring option for other top programs. Because of that depth, the Bruins must remain aggressive, particularly from beyond the arc.

Apr 2, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close during practice prior to a 2026 NCAA Final Four women's basketball semifinal at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The bottom line is that UCLA now finds itself in uncharted waters. The Bruins have rarely entered a Final Four as a favorite. However, that label should not provide any comfort. Texas has already proven it can beat UCLA once, and it remains a formidable opponent this late in the season.