GREENVILLE, S.C. — U.C.L.A. began its women’s regional semifinal against South Carolina with the defensive strategy that nearly every team this season has tried against the undefeated Gamecocks. The Bruins sat in a zone defense, dropping their guards below the free-throw line to help defend against South Carolina’s towering forwards.
South Carolina struggled, shooting just 38 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range, but U.C.L.A. couldn’t turn the reigning champion’s mishaps into points, falling 59-43 to send the Gamecocks to the round of 8.
South Carolina capitalized on second-chance opportunities and smothered the Bruins’ offense, and its star forward, Aliyah Boston, led the way with 8 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks.