UCLA Women’s Basketball Makes Final Four History

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The UCLA women’s basketball team celebrates their historic Final Four victory against LSU.

News Summary

The UCLA women’s basketball team celebrated a historic victory, securing their first NCAA Final Four appearance with a 72-65 win over LSU. Key performances from players like Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez highlighted their impressive journey, showcasing resilience and strategic gameplay. The Bruins are now just two wins away from clinching the school’s first NCAA title in women’s basketball as they brace for the upcoming national semifinal against either USC or Connecticut.

UCLA Women’s Basketball Makes History with Final Four Appearance!

In a thrilling showdown at Spokane Arena, the UCLA women’s basketball team has made history by securing their very first trip to the NCAA tournament’s Final Four after a hard-fought victory against LSU, winning 72-65. This match not only drew an impressive crowd of 9,299 fans, but it also marked a monumental achievement for the Bruins, highlighting their remarkable journey in women’s basketball.

Key Players Shine in the Spotlight

Among the stars of the game was Lauren Betts, who, despite facing early foul trouble, made significant contributions to the team. Betts managed to score 17 points, snag 7 rebounds, and make 6 blocks. Her ability to perform under pressure was instrumental in the victory. Another standout was Gabriela Jaquez, who led the Bruins in scoring with an impressive 18 points, shooting 5-of-7 from the field. Her late-game three-pointer was the nail in the coffin for LSU, effectively sealing the win for UCLA.

Timea Gardiner also put on a show, scoring 15 points with the help of five successful three-pointers, contributing to UCLA’s overall tally. With the Bruins hitting a total of 10 three-pointers during the game, it’s clear that their shooting skills were on full display. In fact, twenty out of their 24 three-point attempts were uncontested, showcasing effective teamwork and spacing on the court.

A Vengeful Victory and Strategic Gameplay

This victory represents a sweet revenge for the Bruins, as they had suffered a disappointing loss to the same LSU team in last year’s Sweet 16. The Bruins quickly established dominance, building a comfortable 14-point lead in the third quarter. However, LSU fought back, trimming the deficit to just 3 points during the fourth quarter, which only added to the tension of the match.

While UCLA’s shooting percentage inside the paint was notably low at just 32%, they were able to leverage their perimeter shooting and strategic gameplay to secure their place in history. After a rocky first quarter without Betts, the team regrouped admirably and outscored LSU 14-4 in the second quarter, leading to a 31-25 halftime advantage.

Character and Growth Fuel Success

UCLA’s strong performance can be attributed to their character and growth throughout the season. Coach Cori Close emphasized the resilience of the team, acknowledging their ability to refocus and regain composure during challenging moments in the game. This poise was critical in maintaining their lead and ultimately achieving victory.

The Road Ahead

With this remarkable win, the Bruins are now just two victories away from clinching the school’s first NCAA title in women’s basketball. The excitement is palpable as they prepare to face either USC or Connecticut in the national semifinal on Friday at Amalie Arena.

The journey to the Final Four is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent displayed by the UCLA women’s basketball team. Fans and supporters can’t help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation as the Bruins continue their quest for a championship. This year’s tournament has certainly been unforgettable, and the best is yet to come!