In a stunning display of dominance, the UConn Huskies overwhelmed the UCLA Bruins with a score of 85-51 during the NCAA women’s Final Four held at Amalie Arena. This game marked the largest margin of victory in an NCAA women’s national semifinal, showcasing UConn's experience as they appeared in their 16th Final Four in the last 17 tournaments. In contrast, UCLA, with a record of 34-3, struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately failing to resemble the formidable team that earned the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed.
The Bruins faced a challenging game characterized by 19 turnovers and 12 missed three-point shots. Despite a remarkable performance from star center Lauren Betts, who scored 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting, the team could only manage four successful three-pointers out of 16 attempts. UConn's Paige Bueckers, while limited to 16 points, saw her teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong shine, contributing 19 and 22 points, respectively. “We got exposed. We got out-toughed. We got our butts beat today,” lamented head coach Cori Close. She expressed hope that this painful loss would motivate her team to improve for future opportunities.
UCLA was the only team in the Final Four making its debut at this prestigious stage, with Close also experiencing her first Final Four as a head coach. In preparation for the unique demands of the tournament, she sought advice from her peers, aiming to ready her players for the intense travel, media obligations, and electrifying atmosphere. However, the Bruins quickly learned that no amount of preparation could substitute for experience in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,731 fans.
“The biggest surprise was just how crazy all of this is,” said Betts. “They really put on a show for all of us, which is really cool and I never experienced that before.” Despite her efforts, Betts was the only UCLA player to find consistent success, as the team struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game.
Connecticut's victory was propelled by its trio of stars. Freshman Sarah Strong led the charge with an impressive 22 points and eight rebounds, while Azzi Fudd added 19 points to the score. Their contributions overshadowed Bueckers' performance, demonstrating the depth of talent on the UConn roster. Coach Geno Auriemma praised his team, noting that they played a near-flawless game, particularly on the defensive end. “UCLA is just really, really good and really, really hard to play against,” Auriemma stated, reflecting on the challenge posed by the Bruins.
Despite their disappointing exit, UCLA’s season was historic, featuring a school record for wins and the program's first No. 1 NCAA tournament seed since 1979. The Bruins overcame significant hurdles, including a previous loss to USC, to claim their first conference tournament championship since 2006. They also achieved a milestone by advancing past the Sweet 16 for the first time under Close. However, the magic that fueled their journey was absent as they took the court 3,000 miles away from home.
UCLA’s struggle was evident from the start, with an early turnover leading to a three-pointer from Fudd. The Bruins faced difficulties finding their footing, as noted by guard Kiki Rice, who stated, “I think we needed to go out and take the game and to go make plays, not have plays happen to us.” As the game progressed, Close attempted to rally her team, but the lack of execution proved detrimental.
As the game wound down, Betts, visibly emotional, reflected on the experience. “I hope this fuels us,” she said. “I hope that we come out angry after this.” With every player having eligibility to return next year, the UCLA Bruins remain hopeful for a brighter future as they continue to build on their successful season.
