As the Los Angeles Dodgers were wrapping up a three-game series against the Washington Nationals, the UCLA women’s basketball team was playing for their first national title in program history.
The Bruins put together a dominant performance from start to finish as they routed the South Carolina Gamecocks, 79-51. It was the 31st consecutive win for the Bruins, who never trailed in the championship game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, a UCLA alum, congratulated the women’s basketball team after delivering another championship to the city of Los Angeles.
“Hey, coach Close and the UCLA women’s basketball team. Congratulations on your first national championship in history,” Roberts said in a video posted by the Dodgers on social media.
From one champion to another. Congratulations, @UCLAWBB! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TkvPvhNrY3
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 6, 2026
“From one champion to another, you guys went wire to wire as being the best basketball team in college basketball all year long. You did it with class, integrity, toughness, and you guys made the entire Bruin Nation so proud. Congratulations and celebrate tonight. You guys all deserve it.”
The 28-point margin of victory for UCLA was the third largest in a Division I women’s championship final. Lauren Betts, who was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
UCLA ended their season with a 37-1 record and were unanimously ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press women’s basketball Top 25 poll.
The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated the team at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night and next is the university’s official recognition which will be followed by being hosted by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Dave Roberts helped UCLA hire football coach
Roberts previously revealed that he was at the forefront of the Bruins’ search for a new football coach last year, which amounted to the hiring of Bob Chesney.
Chesney most recently served as the head coach of James Madison University and led them to a 12-1 record, Sun Belt conference championship and berth in the College Football Playoff this past season.
Roberts spoke highly of Chesney and is confident in his ability to lead UCLA, revealing their conversations included direct talks that entailed challenging him.
Chesney is replacing DeShaun Foster, whose tenure as UCLA head coach ended after just 15 games. Foster was fired following an 0-3 start last season.
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