Obama And Newsom Celebrate UCLA
The UCLA women’s basketball team delivered one of the most dominant performances in recent NCAA history Sunday night, capturing its first-ever NCAA championship and shocking many — including former President Barack Obama.
The Bruins didn’t just win — they overpowered South Carolina 79-51, capping off a remarkable 37-1 season and firmly establishing themselves as the best team in the nation.
Dominant From Start to Finish
From the opening tip, UCLA looked unstoppable.
Senior guard Gabriela Jaquez led the charge with:
- 21 points
- 10 rebounds
- 5 assists
Backcourt partner Gianna Kneepkens added 15 points, while All-American center Lauren Betts controlled the paint with:
- 14 points
- 11 rebounds
- 2 blocks
Betts’ performance earned her Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, cementing her place as one of the tournament’s biggest stars.
After the game, an emotional Jaquez said the team had envisioned this exact moment from day one — and refused to let it slip away.
Obama Praises Team — After Getting It Wrong
Former President Barack Obama, known for his March Madness predictions, congratulated UCLA after the win — despite originally picking them to lose in the championship.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also joined in celebrating the Bruins’ historic victory.
Meanwhile, the Empire State Building lit up in UCLA colors, highlighting just how significant this win was on the national stage.
A Historic Win for UCLA Athletics
This championship marks a major milestone:
- First NCAA women’s basketball title in school history
- UCLA’s 126th NCAA championship overall
- One of the most dominant title-game wins in recent years
While UCLA previously won a title in 1978 (before the NCAA tournament era), this victory officially puts them at the top of the modern game.
South Carolina Falls Short Again
South Carolina entered the game as a powerhouse program, with multiple recent championships. But Sunday night told a different story.
The Gamecocks now face back-to-back losses in the national title game, despite another strong season finishing at 36-4.
Still, South Carolina received praise from Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who commended the team’s effort, discipline, and leadership throughout the season.
Men’s Championship: Michigan vs. UConn
Attention now shifts to the men’s NCAA championship game:
- Michigan (36-3) vs. UConn (34-5)
- UConn chasing its third title in four years
- Michigan looking for its second championship ever
Once again, Obama’s bracket took a hit, with several of his picks falling short before the final game.
Why This Win Matters
UCLA’s victory isn’t just another championship — it’s a reminder of what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
In a sports world often dominated by expectations and predictions, the Bruins proved that performance on the court still matters more than headlines or hype.
Final Takeaway
While politicians and commentators rushed to react, UCLA quietly delivered one of the most impressive championship runs in recent memory.
And in the end, even the most confident predictions couldn’t match what actually happened on the court.
