UCLA and Texas Face Off Again in the Final Four: Here’s What to Expect
Bruins and Longhorns Face Off in Final Four Rematch
The UCLA Bruins’ pursuit of their first NCAA championship last season was halted by a decisive loss to the UConn Huskies in the women’s Final Four. As they return to the stage, joined by the other teams from last year’s Final Four, the Bruins aim for redemption in Arizona.
Standing in their path is the Texas Longhorns, the only team to defeat the Bruins during what was an otherwise commanding season.
“For us, it’s just coming out ready to go,” said UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez. “The main thing is being ready to play, coming out to get every loose ball, play as a team, just playing like we know how to play.”
With a record of 35-1, the Bruins dominated opponents, winning by an average margin of 20.9 points per game—ranking fifth in the nation—while setting a school record for victories. However, their sole setback came against Texas on November 26 at the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas, where the Longhorns leveraged a physical style of play to secure a 76-65 win. Texas’s aggressive guards pressured the Bruins into numerous turnovers, and UCLA struggled to connect with All-American center Lauren Betts, who managed just eight points.
Looking ahead, the top-seeded Bruins are set to meet either Texas or Michigan in Phoenix on Friday. Betts emphasized the need for a fierce attitude, stating, “Coming out with a certain level of aggression is important and I’m going to make sure I do that.”
In their subsequent outing against Duke, UCLA rebounded decisively, winning by 30 points and embarking on a record-setting 28-game winning streak that included four victories by double digits in the NCAA Tournament.
Texas responded to earlier setbacks this season by significantly elevating its performance. After starting strong with 18 consecutive victories, the Longhorns faced challenges against ranked opponents but subsequently reeled off 12 straight wins, dominating each contest by an average of 26.5 points. This included a 17-point victory over South Carolina in the SEC tournament and four straight blowouts in the NCAA Tournament, where they allowed only 49.4 points per game.
Now in the Final Four for the fifth time, Texas aims for its first national championship since going undefeated in 1986. Coach Vic Schaefer remarked, “Right now, they’re playing as good as any team I’ve ever had,” reflecting his confidence in the team’s current form.
Another critical factor for the Bruins will be their ability to manage turnovers. In their previous encounter, Texas forced UCLA into 20 turnovers, converting them into 18 points. The Bruins experienced similar difficulties against Duke, tallying 18 turnovers while securing a comeback victory.
The matchup will prominently feature each team’s two first-team AP All-Americans. Betts has enjoyed a stellar season, averaging 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 60.1% from the field. She has made history as the fourth player in NCAA history to accumulate at least 600 points, 300 rebounds, 100 assists, and 70 blocks in a single season.
On the Longhorns’ side, junior Madison Booker offers a unique challenge as a 6-foot-1 player with guard-like skills, averaging 19.3 points and leading the team with 83 steals. She has made her mark in NCAA history, becoming the only player to reach at least 1,500 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds, and 350 steals.
As the two teams gear up for their anticipated showdown, Schaefer’s experience and the intensity of both squads promise a highly competitive Final Four clash.
