Top 3 UCLA Impact Players for Final Four vs. Texas

Here are the three Bruins to keep tabs on vs. Texas.

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

Throughout the postseason, we have seen UCLA’s players be very volatile. Against Texas, however, that cannot be the case. These three players need to play their best.

UCLA enters its matchup against Texas as a 1.5-point favorite. That means this will be a game where every possession counts. Luckily for UCLA, the Bruins have the talent to capitalize on those possessions throughout the game.

Lauren Betts | C

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

The first name on the list is obvious: Lauren Betts. Betts has completely taken over games during the NCAA tournament. She is averaging 20-plus points throughout the tournament, along with around 10 rebounds per game. Her ability to dictate play in the paint is what makes her so special.

It is clear that UCLA cannot always rely on its other starters to get the job done. That is where Betts steps in and takes control. When UCLA’s shooting beyond the arc has struggled, Betts has been the go-to player for the Bruins. We can expect a high volume of shots from Betts against Texas.

Kiki Rice | G

Mar 27, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) drives against Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Brylee Glenn (12) 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

Kiki Rice is by far UCLA’s second-best player behind Betts. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for UCLA has been almost second to none. What makes Rice so dangerous is her ability to score efficiently in the mid-range. However, her shot has not been at its best lately.

Against Texas, we can again expect a high-scoring workload from Rice. She will need to take advantage of every opportunity she gets. Considering how UCLA has played throughout the season, those opportunities should come frequently.

Charlisse Leger-Walker | G

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

Charlisse Leger-Walker has been one of the more under-the-radar Bruins this season. What makes her so effective is her ability to facilitate and create plays at a high rate. When UCLA gets backed into a corner, Leger-Walker has often been the player who helps stabilize the offense.

Considering UCLA lost to Texas back in November, this is the perfect opportunity for her to help set the record straight. If Leger-Walker can eliminate some of UCLA’s offensive inconsistencies by creating quality scoring opportunities, the Bruins will be in a great position to win this game.

Mar 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close in the first half against the California Baptist Lancers at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The bottom line is that these three players have the greatest impact on the Bruins. While the other two starters, Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens, are also important, these three players have unique roles that make them especially critical in this matchup.