The Sacramento Regional final of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship will pit two conference champions against each other: the Duke Blue Devils, victors of the ACC, and the UCLA Bruins, champions of the Big Ten. Both teams advanced after compelling Sweet Sixteen matchups on Friday, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest at the Golden 1 Center on Sunday.
UCLA demonstrated its dominance against Minnesota, securing a decisive victory fueled by a powerful inside game. The Bruins outscored the Golden Gophers 55-22 in the paint, showcasing their size, and strength. Senior center Lauren Betts contributed 16 points and five blocks, while senior guard Kiki Rice led all scorers with 21 points. Duke, meanwhile, pulled off a stunning upset against LSU, winning on a buzzer-beating three-pointer from senior guard Ashlon Jackson with just 2.6 seconds remaining.
Duke’s Upset and UCLA’s Dominance
The dramatic finish for Duke was powered by efficient ball movement and a clutch performance from senior guard Taina Mair, who connected on four three-pointers en route to 22 points.
🤯 ASHLON JACKSON WINS IT FOR DUKE AT THE BUZZER! 😱
📺: https://t.co/wJ8WqJqJ0q #MarchMadness #NCAAWBB— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 29, 2024
Duke’s road to the Elite Eight has been a remarkable turnaround. After a challenging nonconference schedule that saw them go 3-6, the Blue Devils have won 17 consecutive games, culminating in an ACC Championship. Their victory over LSU avenged an earlier season loss and sets up a rematch of sorts, though with significantly higher stakes.
UCLA’s path has been more consistent. The Bruins have maintained a 28-game win streak, a run that began with an 89-59 victory over Duke in the third-place game of the Player’s Era Championship in November 2025, according to Sports-Reference.com. Even without Betts in that earlier matchup, UCLA dominated the paint, establishing a commanding 30-7 lead early in the game.
Key Matchups and Strategic Considerations
To upset the top-seeded Bruins, Duke will need to replicate the strategies employed by teams that have found success against UCLA. Establishing a strong presence in the paint and creating open looks for their shooters will be crucial. Sophomore forward Toby Fournier has been a key contributor scoring 22 points against Minnesota, all from inside the paint or the free-throw line. Sophomore center Arianna Roberson has also been a rebounding force, averaging at least eight boards in her last three games.
If Fournier and Roberson can effectively challenge UCLA inside, it could open up opportunities for the hot-shooting Mair, who is currently connecting on 43% of her three-point attempts on 4.5 attempts per game in March.
UCLA’s strategy, meanwhile, remains straightforward: dominate the paint and control the game through size and rebounding. The Bruins currently out-rebound opponents by an average of 15.4 rebounds per game and boast one of the largest rosters in women’s college basketball.
What to Watch For on Sunday
The battle on the blocks will undoubtedly be a deciding factor. Duke faces UCLA at noon on Sunday, and the game is expected to be a physical contest. The Blue Devils will need to find a way to neutralize UCLA’s size advantage and disrupt their offensive rhythm. UCLA, will aim to impose their will in the paint and capitalize on their rebounding prowess.
The winner of this Elite Eight matchup will advance to the Final Four, continuing their pursuit of a national championship. The game promises to be a compelling clash of styles and a test of both teams’ resilience and determination.
The outcome of Sunday’s game will significantly shape the landscape of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both Duke and UCLA vie for a coveted spot in the Final Four. Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
