It's championship Sunday. The #1 South Carolina Gamecocks (36-3) take on the #1 UCLA Bruins (36-1) in the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ. Tip-off is at 3:30 PM ET.
Two number one seeds. Two powerhouse programs. One trophy.
My Pick: South Carolina Gamecocks
I'm going with South Carolina and I'm not overthinking it.
Yes, UCLA has been nearly flawless this season at 36-1. Yes, they're the home crowd favorite playing in Phoenix. But when it comes down to it, I trust the Gamecocks ā and more than anything, I trust Dawn Staley.
If you follow women's college basketball, you know what Coach Staley means to this program. She doesn't just recruit talent, she builds champions. She's done it before and this South Carolina squad has the poise, the experience, and the coaching to get it done on the biggest stage.
UCLA is a fantastic team and this won't be a blowout ā South Carolina is favored by just 3.5 points, and the over/under sits at 129.5, so expect a competitive, physical game from start to finish.
But when the pressure is highest and the moment is biggest, I want Dawn Staley on my sideline.
South Carolina wins the 2026 National Championship.
What the Crystal Ball Picks Community Thinks
Here's a look at how picks are falling inside the Crystal Ball Picks app heading into tip-off:
100% of picks are on South Carolina. Not a single person has taken UCLA ā though the app did flag it as bold "Call Your Shot" territory for anyone feeling brave enough to go against the grain.
Sometimes the crowd is right. Today might be one of those days.
Watch the Game
šŗ NCAA Women's Basketball Championship šļø Sunday, April 5 | 3:30 PM ET š Mortgage Matchup Center ā Phoenix, AZ
Make Your Pick
The game hasn't started yet ā there's still time to get your pick in on Crystal Ball Picks. Will you ride with South Carolina like everyone else, or are you bold enough to take the Bruins and Call Your Shot?
Good luck to both teams ā and happy Easter! š