South Carolina
CLEVELAND, Ohio (04/04/2026) — The South Carolina Gamecocks' season came to an end on Saturday as the UCLA Bruins delivered a commanding 79-51 victory at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The Bruins controlled the contest from the opening tip, showcasing superior shooting and rebounding that the Gamecocks could not overcome.
UCLA established its offensive rhythm early and never trailed, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter that South Carolina could not erase. Guard Gabriela Jaquez led the charge for the Bruins with a dominant double-double, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
How It Happened
From the outset, UCLA dictated the pace. Center Lauren Betts opened the scoring with a turnaround jump shot just 17 seconds into the game. While the Gamecocks stayed close initially, with a three-pointer from Agot Makeer cutting the deficit to 13-10 midway through the first, the Bruins quickly responded. A 23-foot jumper from Charlisse Leger-Walker and a buzzer-beating step-back three from Kiki Rice capped an 8-0 run to close the quarter, giving UCLA a 21-10 advantage.
The second quarter saw UCLA extend its lead. Gianna Kneepkens connected on a three-pointer to push the score to 26-12 just over a minute in. South Carolina's Tessa Johnson fought to keep the Gamecocks within striking distance, hitting a pair of pull-up jumpers, but UCLA’s balanced attack maintained the pressure, and the Bruins entered halftime with a 36-23 lead.
The game was put out of reach in the third quarter. After a layup by South Carolina's Madina Okot made it 36-25, UCLA ignited. Leger-Walker drained another three-pointer to push the lead to 18. The Bruins' offense hit its stride, culminating in a decisive 13-0 run that ballooned the score from 51-30 to 61-31, effectively sealing the outcome before the final period began.
UCLA continued its offensive showcase in the fourth quarter, with Jaquez and Kneepkens adding to their totals. The Bruins shot an efficient 43% from the field and a blistering 42% from beyond the arc for the game, while holding the Gamecocks to just 29% shooting overall and 13% from three-point range.
Turning Point
The game's decisive sequence occurred late in the third quarter. With 3:17 on the clock, Gabriela Jaquez hit a 26-foot three-pointer to give UCLA a 51-30 lead. This shot kicked off a staggering 13-0 run over the next three minutes. Gianna Kneepkens followed with another three-pointer, and the Bruins continued to score, pushing their advantage to 30 points at 61-31. The run broke any remaining South Carolina momentum and cemented UCLA’s control for the remainder of the contest.
Star of the Game
Gabriela Jaquez was the undisputed star for the UCLA Bruins. Her all-around performance was masterful, as she tallied a game-high 21 points on efficient shooting, secured 10 rebounds for a crucial double-double, and facilitated the offense with 5 assists. She was a constant threat from all levels, hitting from inside and connecting on multiple three-pointers, including a deep shot in the fourth quarter that pushed the Bruins' lead to its largest margin.
What It Means
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, the loss marks a difficult conclusion to their season. The offense faced significant challenges against a disciplined UCLA defense, struggling to find consistent scoring. The team was outrebounded 49-37 and generated only 9 assists on 18 made field goals, highlighting their offensive disconnect. Tessa Johnson led the Gamecocks with 14 points, while Joyce Edwards contributed 8 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
For the UCLA Bruins, the victory is a powerful statement. Their offensive execution was nearly flawless, underscored by 23 team assists and 10 made three-pointers. Four players scored in double figures, with Gianna Kneepkens (15 points), Lauren Betts (14 points, 11 rebounds), and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10 points) providing strong support for Jaquez. The win showcases a team firing on all cylinders as they advance.