- NCAA. Who is Jenny Dell, the famous CBS reporter who broke the rules with a controversial outfit?
- NCAA. South Carolina vs UConn: Women's Final Four 2026 time, TV channel, and betting preview
The second half of the 2026 Women's Final Four features a fascinating battle between two programs that have defined excellence this season. On Friday, April 3, 2026, the No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns will take on the No. 2 seed UCLA Bruins. While much of the media attention has been on the East Coast powers, Texas and UCLA have quietly dismantled their respective regions to set up this heavyweight clash at the Target Center.
Matchup Analysis: Texas Toughness vs. UCLA Versatility
Texas (33-4) has reached the Final Four on the back of the nation's most suffocating defense. Under coach Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns play a "no-middle" defensive scheme that forces opponents into contested perimeter shots.
Their offensive engine is Madison Booker, a versatile forward who plays like a point guard. Booker's ability to facilitate while scoring at all three levels makes Texas incredibly difficult to game-plan for. In the regional final against Stanford, Texas forced 18 turnovers, a trend they hope to continue tonight.
UCLA (31-6) represents the most balanced team in the field. Coach Cori Close has built a roster that can play small-ball or match up with traditional size. The Bruins are led by the dynamic duo of Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts.
Rice is the floor general who controls the tempo, while the 6-foot-7 Betts is arguably the best pure center in college basketball. If Betts can establish residency in the low post early, it will force Texas to double-team, opening up wide-open looks for UCLA's elite shooters.
Predictions and Key Factors
The Spread: Texas is a slight 2.5-point favorite. This is essentially a "pick 'em" game in the eyes of Las Vegas.
- Rebounding is Key: UCLA leads the country in offensive rebounding percentage, while Texas is top-5 in defensive rebounding. Whoever wins the glass wins the game.
- The "Booker" Factor: If Madison Booker can navigate the length of Lauren Betts at the rim, Texas should be able to control the scoring pace.
- Final Outlook: Expect a defensive grind. Texas's ability to force turnovers might be the slight edge they need to reach their first National Championship game in decades.
Game Information: How to Watch
- Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
- Time: 9:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM CT (Immediately following SC vs. UConn)
- Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: ESPN+, Sling TV, and the NCAA March Madness Live app.