The stage was set for a titanic clash in Phoenix as the UCLA Bruins and Texas Longhorns, two of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball this season, squared off in the NCAA Final Four on April 3, 2026. With both teams boasting impressive records and star-studded rosters, all eyes were on the Mortgage Matchup Center, where the winner would punch their ticket to the national championship game.
UCLA entered the night with a historic 35-1 record, their only loss coming at the hands of Texas back in November 2025. That defeat, a 76-65 setback in Las Vegas, had lingered in the minds of the Bruins throughout their remarkable 29-game winning streak. Texas, for their part, arrived in Phoenix riding a 12-game win streak and holding a 35-3 record, their confidence soaring after a dominant run through the Fort Worth 3 regional, capped by a 77-41 demolition of Michigan in the Elite Eight.
The anticipation was palpable long before tipoff. At Thursday’s media day, UCLA head coach Cori Close set the tone for her team’s mindset heading into the showdown. “We’re excited for the opportunity to play Texas. I’m really confident in our team and how we’re going to be ready to compete. But the bottom line is you have to show up and be the best versions of yourselves under the things that are under your control and take care of business. But we’re really excited to be here,” Close said, her optimism clear as the Bruins prepared for their second consecutive Final Four appearance.
Senior center Lauren Betts, an All-American and the heart of UCLA’s interior game, reflected on the lessons learned from their earlier loss to Texas. “I think the biggest difference, looking back at the film, is just creating opportunities to get the ball as much as I can. I think just creating easier catches,” Betts remarked on Thursday. “They're [a] really amazing defensive team. I think as the guards are getting pressured on the perimeter, just trying to become so open that they just can't like, not give me the ball; I think trying to help out my teammates as much as I can. It’s not one person versus Texas; it’s a full team. We as a team are trying to beat them. I think, yeah, just coming out with a certain level of aggression is going to be really important. I'm going to make sure I do that from the very beginning.”
Betts has been a force all season, averaging 17.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. Alongside her, Kiki Rice has chipped in 15.2 points per contest, providing the Bruins with a potent one-two punch. Senior guard Gabriela Jaquez also shared her pride in being a Bruin, emphasizing her commitment to college development over an early jump to the WNBA. “I would just say I would probably have stayed at UCLA all four years just because developmental-wise, I just needed the development. Also, I think getting a degree from UCLA is something I wouldn't want to pass up on,” Jaquez told reporters. “I just really enjoy the college experience. Playing four years at one school, you develop a community.” Betts echoed her teammate’s sentiment: “Same. Same exact answer.”
Texas brought their own star power to the contest. All-American Madison Booker has been electric all season, averaging 19.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. She’s complemented by Jordan Lee, who averages 13.3 points, and Rori Harmon, a dynamic playmaker with 6.3 assists and 2.8 steals per night. The Longhorns’ offense has been prolific, leading to a +1105 scoring differential and averaging 85.0 points per game—sixth best in the nation. Their defense has been just as stout, allowing only 55.9 points per contest, ranking twelfth nationally.
UCLA, meanwhile, has posted a +1008 scoring differential and averaged 84.9 points per game, ranking seventh in college basketball. The Bruins’ three-point shooting has been a difference-maker, connecting at a 36.8% clip (ninth-best in the country) and making 7.2 triples per game. Texas, while less reliant on the long ball, has held opponents to just 28.7% from deep. The matchup promised a fascinating contrast in styles: Texas’s relentless defensive pressure against UCLA’s balanced attack and perimeter prowess.
Both teams’ journeys to Phoenix were marked by dominant performances. Texas stormed through the tournament, posting lopsided wins over Texas (87-45), Oregon (100-58), Kentucky (76-54), and Michigan (77-41). UCLA’s path included victories over Cal Baptist (96-43), Oklahoma State (87-68), Minnesota (80-56), and a hard-fought 70-58 win over Duke in the Sacramento 2 regional final. Each side entered the Final Four brimming with confidence and hungry for a shot at the title.
The national media was abuzz with predictions and analysis. The odds slightly favored Texas, with spreads ranging from -1.5 to -2.5 and moneyline odds reflecting the Longhorns’ perceived edge. However, opinions were split. The Arizona Republic’s Jeremy Cluff predicted a narrow UCLA victory, writing, “These two teams met very early in the season, with Texas beating UCLA in the Bruins' seventh game of the season, 76-65, in Las Vegas. UCLA hasn't lost since. We don't think the Bruins will lose in this game, either. UCLA will win a thriller to advance to the national championship game.” Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated’s Peter Dewey leaned toward Texas, citing their methodical style and recent form: “I lean with Texas winning this game, and I’d expect a more methodical pace since the Bruins love to get into their half-court sets. For bettors, the UNDER and Texas to win outright are my early predictions for this Final Four showdown.”
As the teams took the court at 9:30 p.m. ET, the atmosphere was electric. Fans packed the Mortgage Matchup Center, while thousands more tuned in via ESPN or streamed the action on Fubo. At Pauley Pavilion, Bruins supporters gathered for a free watch party, hopeful that their team would avenge their only loss of the season and secure a place in Sunday’s championship game.
With the stakes sky-high, the showdown between UCLA and Texas promised to be a classic. Would the Bruins’ balanced attack and relentless defense finally overcome the Longhorns’ pressure and star power? Or would Texas prove their early-season win was no fluke and book a return to the national title game for the first time in decades? As the action unfolded, one thing was certain—women’s college basketball fans were in for a treat, with history hanging in the balance and every possession magnified by the moment.
The winner of this heavyweight bout will advance to face either UConn or South Carolina in the national championship game on April 5. For now, the basketball world waits with bated breath as two of the sport’s elite programs battle for a shot at immortality.