Assessing UCLA Ahead of Final Four Showdown vs. Texas

With the Bruins set to face Texas in the Final Four, it is important to provide context for what this UCLA team has accomplished throughout the season.

Entering this game, UCLA has suffered only one loss this season. That came against Texas back in November, when UCLA fell 76-65. With that loss still fresh in their minds, we can expect UCLA to come out motivated. However, a few factors from that matchup are worth mentioning.

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Tournament Struggles

bETT — Mar 29, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Toby Fournier (35) defends against UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) during the second quarter 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

Prior to the tournament, UCLA was a very first-half-heavy team. The Bruins would often build large leads early and then gradually slow down as the game progressed. That is not necessarily a bad thing, as UCLA frequently built comfortable advantages before easing off the gas.

However, in the last few games of the tournament, UCLA has not looked entirely like itself. Against Duke in the Elite Eight, the Bruins trailed by nine points entering the third quarter. While UCLA recovered and secured the win, it still stands out on what has otherwise been a very strong résumé.

Mar 23, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51), guard Kiki Rice (1) and Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Achol Akot (11) wait at center court for the opening tip off at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

UCLA’s ball security has also been an issue. As mentioned earlier, the Bruins struggled in the first half against Duke. Much of that came from 12 first-half turnovers, which allowed Duke to capitalize and extend its lead.

Both of those issues will be difficult to overcome against Texas. Throughout the season, the Longhorns have proven to be one of the most unforgiving teams in the country. Considering UCLA is only a 1.5-point favorite, slow starts and turnovers could easily determine the outcome.

Tournament Strengths

Mar 23, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalic (32) defends Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jadyn Wooten (6) in the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

One thing UCLA has done well during the tournament, however, is its defense. Against Duke, after trailing by nine points, the Bruins turned up the intensity on the defensive end and held the Blue Devils to single-digit scoring during a key stretch, including an eight-minute span without a field goal.

While UCLA may be ranked slightly below Texas in certain defensive metrics, the Bruins clearly know how to play high-level defense. If they follow their game plan and control the boards, UCLA should be able to slow Texas down. However, that is much easier said than done.

Mar 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalic (32), guard Kiki Rice (1) and forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) during a time out in the first half against the California Baptist Lancers at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

This next factor is both a blessing and a curse. UCLA has prided itself on being one of the best shooting teams in the country. For example, Gianna Kneepkens finished the season shooting 50% from the field and 42% from three-point range. However, those numbers have dropped noticeably during the tournament.

Because of those shooting struggles, UCLA has had to rely more on scoring in the paint. Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalić have been dominant inside, and it is clear they are not slowing down. Even so, shifting offensive identity this late in the season can be both beneficial and risky.

clos — Mar 23, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close argues a foul call in the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second round of the women’s NCAA tournament at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The bottom line for UCLA is that it has been a very up-and-down team during the tournament. While the difference between its highs and lows has been relatively small, it is still significant enough to create problems against Texas. If UCLA cannot play to its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses, the Bruins could be in for a very difficult game.