Top-Seeded UCLA Secures Spot in Second Straight Final Four
Top-seeded UCLA secured its place in the Final Four for a second straight season with a 70-58 victory over Duke on Sunday in Sacramento. The Bruins erased an 8-point halftime deficit. They used a dominant third quarter to seize control.
Key performers
Senior center Lauren Betts led UCLA with 23 points. She also grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked five shots.
Betts recorded the fourth block that made her the program’s all-time leader in blocks. She was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Graduate forward Angela Dugalić contributed 15 points. She added multiple offensive rebounds and productive second-chance scoring.
Charlisse Leger-Walker paced the run of the offense with a game-high six assists. Kiki Rice and Gianna Jaquez provided timely scoring and hustle plays.
How the game unfolded
Duke held a 39-31 lead at halftime. UCLA had trailed at the break only once earlier this season.
The Bruins staged a dramatic third-quarter swing. UCLA outscored Duke 20-8 in the period and took the lead heading to the fourth.
Key plays included Betts’ inside scoring and rim protection. Dugalić chased down offensive boards and converted putbacks.
Late-game details and finish
In the fourth quarter, UCLA extended its margin through free throws and interior offense. Betts hit free throws and scored in the paint to keep momentum.
UCLA defended well and forced turnovers in the closing minutes. The final margin reflected control in the final frame.
Next steps
The Bruins will face the winner of No. 1 seed Texas and No. 2 seed Michigan. That Fort Worth 3 Regional final tips Monday, March 30 at 4 p.m. PT.
Final Four games are scheduled for Friday, April 3 in Phoenix at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Exact game times and television assignments will be set after Monday’s games.
- Final score: UCLA 70, Duke 58.
- Location: Sacramento, Calif.
- Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026.
- Standout stats: Lauren Betts 23 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks; Angela Dugalić 15 points; Charlisse Leger-Walker 6 assists.
- UCLA outscored Duke 20-8 in the third quarter.
Coverage and analysis of the Bruins’ run will appear on Filmogaz.com. Fans can follow updates as the NCAA tournament advances to Phoenix.
