This UCLA women's basketball team has already etched itself into school history with their performance this season, but the group has their eyes on something bigger.
Yes, the Bruins earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history—the top overall seed, for that matter—but this will all pale compared to the ultimate prize: a National Championship.
Before this fan base overreacts, it's crucial to consider the program's uncertain past in March Madness. Let's start by looking at UCLA's track record in the Sweet 16, which the team advanced to with a win on Sunday evening.
When was the last time UCLA women's basketball made the Sweet 16?
The UCLA women's basketball team last made the Sweet 16 in 2024. In fact, they also made it in 2023, which means that this year will mark the third straight season that the Bruins have advanced to the Regional Semifinal.
All told, the program has advanced past the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament on 10 occasions, including this season. Unfortunately, in the nine games that they have played on this stage, the team has only won two games, meaning the Bruins have only been to the Elite 8 twice in program history.
Head coach Cori Close and her team advanced to four straight Sweet 16s between 2016 and 2019, but they only advanced once.
UCLA is still searching for their first Final Four appearance, and this year's team has the best chance of any group in school history to advance that far. Lauren Betts is arguably the most challenging player in the country to stop, and both Kiki Rice and the rest of the Bruins seem to be playing their best basketball at the right time of year.