The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: South Carolina falls in second straight national championship game loss

South Carolina women's basketball lost its second consecutive national championship Sunday in a 79-51 loss to the UCLA Bruins. The Gamecocks never led at any point in the team's season finale at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Freshman guard Agot Makeer has her shot blocked by graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. Makeer finished with two rebounds and one turnover.
Freshman guard Agot Makeer has her shot blocked by graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. Makeer finished with two rebounds and one turnover.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards reaches for the ball during the championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. Edwards scored only 8 points but made 11 rebounds.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards reaches for the ball during the championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. Edwards scored only 8 points but made 11 rebounds.
Senior guard Raven Johnson shoots a 3-pointer during the championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. Johnson scored one 3-pointer out of seven shot attempts.
Senior guard Raven Johnson shoots a 3-pointer during the championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. Johnson scored one 3-pointer out of seven shot attempts.
Senior guard Raven Johnson fights for the ball against graduate forward Angela Dugalić during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. The Gamecocks lost to the Bruins 79-51, the third-largest blowout in the history of the NCAA Championship for women's basketball.
Senior guard Raven Johnson fights for the ball against graduate forward Angela Dugalić during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. The Gamecocks lost to the Bruins 79-51, the third-largest blowout in the history of the NCAA Championship for women's basketball.
Senior forward Maryam Dauda fails to stop a shot from senior center Lauren Betts during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. Betts was awarded Most Outstanding Player.
Senior forward Maryam Dauda fails to stop a shot from senior center Lauren Betts during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. Betts was awarded Most Outstanding Player.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards shoots a layup during the championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. Edwards had the most assists on the team with three total.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards shoots a layup during the championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. Edwards had the most assists on the team with three total.
Senior guard Raven Johnson is screened by senior center Lauren Betts during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. Johnson made one free throw and one field goal to total 3 points in the game.
Senior guard Raven Johnson is screened by senior center Lauren Betts during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. Johnson made one free throw and one field goal to total 3 points in the game.
Senior guard Ta'Niya Latson dribbles the ball around graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. Latson tied with freshman forward Alicia Tournebize for most turnovers on the team with three.
Senior guard Ta'Niya Latson dribbles the ball around graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker during the championship game between South Carolina and UCLA on April 5, 2026. Latson tied with freshman forward Alicia Tournebize for most turnovers on the team with three.
The South Carolina women's basketball team sits on the bench during the game against UCLA in the NCAA Championship on April 5, 2026. The Gamecocks lost to the Bruins 79-51.
The South Carolina women's basketball team sits on the bench during the game against UCLA in the NCAA Championship on April 5, 2026. The Gamecocks lost to the Bruins 79-51.
Junior guard Tessa Johnson goes for a layup during the championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. Johnson scored 14 points, the most on the Gamecock team.
Junior guard Tessa Johnson goes for a layup during the championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. Johnson scored 14 points, the most on the Gamecock team.