Players of the Week: Final Four & National Championship (April 3–5)
The biggest stage in women’s college basketball delivered standout performances from some of the game’s brightest stars. From clutch freshman production to dominant championship efforts, here are the Players of the Week from the Final Four and National Championship.
Freshman of the Week
Agot Makeer #44 – Freshman (South Carolina) | 6’1” | Thunder Bay, ON
Friday, April 3: vs. Connecticut (W 62-48) – Final Four
14 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal, 0 Turnovers, 5/9 FG, 2/2 3PT, 2/2 FT, 28 Minutes
Sunday, April 5: vs. UCLA (L 51-79) – National Championship
11 Points, 2 Rebounds, 1 Steal, 1 Turnover, 3/6 FG, 1/2 3PT, 4/4 FT, 23 Minutes
TOTAL: 25 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Turnover, 8/15 FG, 3/4 3PT, 6/6 FT, 51 Minutes (25.5 Average)
Agot Makeer capped off her freshman campaign with a poised and efficient showing on the sport’s biggest weekend. She played a key role in South Carolina’s Final Four victory over Connecticut, knocking down perimeter shots and taking care of the basketball with zero turnovers. Even in the National Championship loss, Makeer remained productive and efficient, showcasing her consistency and composure beyond her years.
Sixth (Bench) Player of the Week
Angela Dugalic #32 – Senior (UCLA) | 6’4” | Des Plaines, IL
Friday, April 3: vs. Texas (W 51-44) – Final Four
4 Points, 7 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steal, 2 Blocks, 3 Turnovers, 1/5 FG, 1/2 3PT, 1/2 FT, 27 Minutes
Sunday, April 5: vs. South Carolina (W 79-51) – National Championship
9 Points, 5 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steal, 1 Block, 1 Turnover, 4/8 FG, 0/1 3PT, 1/2 FT, 28 Minutes
TOTAL: 13 Points, 12 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 2 Steals, 3 Blocks, 4 Turnovers, 5/13 FG, 1/3 3PT, 2/4 FT, 55 Minutes (27.5 Average)
Angela Dugalic provided UCLA with invaluable production off the bench, impacting the game in multiple ways throughout the weekend. Her presence on the glass, defensive versatility, and playmaking ability helped stabilize UCLA in both contests. In the championship win, she elevated her efficiency and contributed across the board, playing a pivotal role in UCLA’s title run.
Defensive Player of the Week
Sarah Strong #21 – Sophomore (Connecticut) | 6’2” | Durham, NC
Friday, April 3: vs. South Carolina (L 48-62) – Final Four
3 Steals, 2 Blocks, 11 Defensive Rebounds, 2 Turnovers
Despite Connecticut falling short in the Final Four, Sarah Strong delivered a dominant defensive performance. She controlled the glass with 11 defensive rebounds while also disrupting South Carolina’s offense with five combined steals and blocks. Her defensive presence was a major factor in keeping the game competitive for the most part.
Offensive Player of the Week & Player of the Week
Lauren Betts #51 – Senior (UCLA) | 6’7” | Centennial, CO
Friday, April 3: vs. Texas (W 51-44) – Final Four
16 Points, 11 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 3 Blocks, 1 Turnover, 7/10 FG, 2/2 FT, 34 Minutes
Sunday, April 5: vs. South Carolina (W 79-51) – National Championship
14 Points, 11 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 2 Blocks, 1 Turnover, 6/10 FG, 2/2 FT, 31 Minutes
TOTAL: 30 Points, 22 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 5 Blocks, 2 Turnovers, 13/20 FG, 4/4 FT, 65 Minutes (32.5 Average)
Lauren Betts was the most dominant player on the floor throughout the Final Four and National Championship, leading UCLA to a national title. She recorded back-to-back double-doubles, controlled the paint on both ends, and anchored UCLA’s interior defense. Her efficiency (13-of-20 from the field) and consistency set the tone, making her the clear choice for both Offensive Player of the Week and overall Player of the Week.
