Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Magic Johnson Gets Real on What Doomed South Carolina vs. UCLA

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 1:15 PM ET

The UCLA Bruins are crowned the 2026 Women's NCAA Basketball Tournament champions after taking down the South Carolina Gamecocks in convincing fashion. The most casual fan can look at the 51-79 final score and determine that it was a one-sided affair for the Bruins.

The biggest key to the win was the Bruins' unstoppable offense. Gabriela Jaquez led the scoring department with her 21 points, but every starter also enjoyed double-digit scoring performances.

It's also impressive how efficient the 2026 champs were in protecting the rock and distributing the wealth. The Bruins notched 23 assists in regulation while also committing 13 turnovers, one less than South Carolina's 14.

UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates with her brother Miami Heat player Jaime Jaquez Jr. and family after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While there are plenty of positives to talk about UCLA's game, a beloved Los Angeles sports icon shared his opinion on what actually sealed the deal for the Bruins.

Magic Johnson Credits the UCLA Bruins' Defense for the 2026 Women's Basketball Title

Magic Johnson usually saves his basketball analysis for the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Hall of Fame point guard is more than happy to talk about the Bruins.

He credited the team's stifling defense as a major factor in their win. He tipped his hat to Cari Close and the rest of the coaching staff for preventing their rivals from doing what they wanted on the hardwood.

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,…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 5, 2026

"The true key to victory was UCLA’s suffocating defense which took South Carolina out of everything offensively," Magic wrote on his X account. "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!"

South Carolina failed to address the defensive schemes Close set up for the Bruins. They only made 18 of their 62 shot attempts. Their long-range shooting (2-for-15) was also offline.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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