Magic Johnson was quick to react after UCLA ended its long wait for a women’s national championship, recognising the scale of a breakthrough that had been decades in the making.
The Bruins had previously won a title in 1978, but that came before the NCAA governed women’s basketball.
This victory therefore, stands as UCLA’s first NCAA championship, giving the moment added historical weight. It also validated years of progress under head coach Cori Close.
Magic Johnson praises the UCLA Bruins after the NCAA title breakthrough
Magic Johnson shared his reaction in a post on X, highlighting just how dominant UCLA were in the final.
His message focused on both the result and the collective performance that defined the championship game.
He wrote, “I want to congratulate the new 2026 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Champions – the UCLA Bruins! They blew out South Carolina 79-51 and dominated from start to finish it!
“The Bruins had five players in double figures – Lauren Betts had 14 points, Gianna Kneepkens 15 points, Gabriela Jacquez 21 points, Kiki Rice 10 points, and Charlisse Leger-Walker finished with 10 points!”
The scoreline and balance across the team underlined how complete UCLA’s performance was on the biggest stage.
Magic Johnson highlights defense behind the UCLA Bruins NCAA title win
Johnson also pointed to one specific factor that separated UCLA from South Carolina in the final.
He explained, “The true key to victory was UCLA’s suffocating defense which took South Carolina out of everything offensively. Give Coach Cori Close and her coaching staff credit on a great game plan and shoutout to the team for executing the game plan to perfection!”
That defensive control defined the game, limiting South Carolina’s usual offensive rhythm and forcing them into uncomfortable situations throughout.
It also reinforced the identity UCLA built during the tournament, combining structure, discipline, and execution at both ends of the floor.
The result was not just a win, but a statement performance that secured a historic NCAA title for the program.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
