TAMPA, Fla. – The UCLA Bruins suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Connecticut Huskies in the NCAA women’s national semifinal at Amalie Arena on Friday. Despite entering the game as the tournament’s top seed, UCLA was unable to match the experience and dominance of Connecticut, resulting in an 85-51 loss. The game marked UConn’s 16th Final Four appearance in the last 17 NCAA tournaments, showcasing their prowess on the big stage.
UCLA struggled throughout the game, committing 19 turnovers and missing 12 three-point attempts. Despite a strong individual performance from star center Lauren Betts, who scored 26 points, the team as a whole failed to find its rhythm. UConn’s trio of Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Paige Bueckers proved to be too much for the Bruins to handle, with Strong leading the team in scoring with 22 points.
UCLA’s head coach, Cori Close, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, emphasizing the need to learn from the loss and use it as motivation for future success. The Bruins, making their first trip to the NCAA Final Four, faced a seasoned UConn team that capitalized on their experience and composure under pressure.
Despite the disappointing outcome, UCLA’s season was filled with significant accomplishments, including a school-record number of wins and a historic No. 1 NCAA tournament seed. The team’s journey to the Final Four was a testament to their resilience and determination, culminating in a memorable appearance on the national stage.
As the final buzzer sounded, emotions ran high for the Bruins, particularly for Betts, whose leadership and performance throughout the season had been instrumental in UCLA’s success. Looking ahead, Betts expressed a desire for the team to use the defeat as fuel for future growth and development, signaling a renewed sense of determination and ambition moving forward.
In the aftermath of the loss, UCLA’s players and coaching staff reflected on the valuable lessons learned from the game, highlighting the importance of resilience, teamwork, and mental toughness in facing adversity. Despite falling short in the Final Four, the Bruins remain optimistic about their future prospects and the potential for continued success in the seasons to come.