Expert prediction
Women’s National Championship: South Carolina vs UCLA Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Gamecocks dethroned UConn in the Final Four round.
- The Bruins eliminated Texas in the national semifinals.
- This marks the seventh all-time matchup between the two squads.
The championship game of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament has arrived as it features a battle between the SEC’s South Carolina Gamecocks and the Big Ten’s UCLA Bruins. The former comes out as the slight favorite as both teams compete for the right to end the campaign as national champions.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, April 5, 3:30 pm ET
- Where: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona
- How to Watch: ABC & ESPN
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | -107 | -4 | O129 |
| UCLA | -113 | +4 | U129 |
Game Preview
The Gamecocks (36-3) are on a roll in the NCAA Tournament, eliminating Southern, USC, Oklahoma, TCU, and UConn to reach the national championship game. They dethroned the Huskies in convincing fashion, shutting them down to just 48 points in a defensive masterclass. Ta’Niya Latson posted her first double-double as a Gamecock, leading South Carolina in scoring (16 points) and rebounds (10). Joyce Edwards finished with 11 points to set the program record for single-season points, adding eight rebounds and three steals to the win.
The Bruins (36-1) secured solid victories in the NCAA Tournament, beating California Baptist, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Duke, and Texas to reach the final round of March Madness. They ended the Longhorns’ title hopes as they set up a showdown with South Carolina. Lauren Betts led the Bruins with 16 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Betts, the two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, finished the game 7-for-10 from the field and had a significant block with under 21 seconds left in the final quarter. Meanwhile, Kiki Rice totaled 11 points, while Gianna Kneepkens and Gabriela Jaquez each finished with 10 points for UCLA.
South Carolina vs UCLA Head-to-Head
The two programs have faced each other six times in their respective histories, seeing the Gamecocks hold a 4-2 lead. The last matchup was in November 2024 when UCLA secured a 77-62 win at home.
South Carolina vs UCLA Predictions
The winner of this matchup will stand tall as the national champions for the 2025-26 season. South Carolina looks to reclaim its throne as one of the top dynasties in women’s basketball not named UConn. As for UCLA, they will look to stamp itself in history as Lauren Betts leads the way with the aspirations of ending her collegiate career in glory before entering the WNBA. Our betting pick here is the Gamecocks to defend a 4-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: South Carolina Gamecocks -4
NCAAB
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