Senior Moments: UCLA Defeats South Carolina to Win 1st NCAA Championship 

UCLA’s senior squad looked almost supernatural against the University of South Carolina in the women’s 2026 D1 basketball National Championship Game. 

It was BTA (“belt to a**” for the underinformed) from beginning to end as the glass from southern Cal  handed the Dawn Staley-led team their second consecutive title game loss by a 20-plus point margin.

Although the lanky 6’7” UCLA center Lauren Betts received the Most Outstanding Player award, the star of the show that day was guard Gabriela Jaquez, sister of Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr., who had a stat line of 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.  One word: Relentless.

Other key contributors included were Māori guard Charisse Leger-Walker, forward Angela Dugalic, and Minnesota native Gianna Kneepkins. 

It’s highly likely that the senior UCLAers will declare for the WNBA draft with all five going in the first round. 

And congratulations are in order for Big Cori, not the little one, Coach Cori Close, who after 16 years at the helm of UCLA’s women’s basketball program has won her 1st NCAA Championship. 

I gave Cori the side eye about sharing that shady LSU article but I’ve come to realize that Cori is the real deal — an extremely caring and competent coach. Her philosophical sayings are bulletin board material for all those who aspire to achieve at the highest level with integrity and compassion. 

Oh, and before I go, I’m not too proud to admit when I’m wrong. Lauren Betts, you have my most sincere apology and heartfelt congratulations on the Natty win and your MOP award.  

I said that your offensive bag was the size of a coin purse. I was wrong. It’s not quite a Birkin yet but definitely high-quality designer. 

If my prayers are answered, looking forward to seeing you in a Lynx uniform.