UCLA women's basketball looks to keep joyride going by beating Texas.

UCLA women's basketball (35-1) faces Texas (35-3) in the Final Four in Phoenix, with core players such as Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez central to the Bruins' season-long run.

UCLA is preparing to face Texas in the Final Four in Phoenix as the Bruins aim to extend a season that has featured extensive travel, shared experiences and strong team cohesion. Core contributors include Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez, along with Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalic and transfers Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens. Coach Close said she has reflected on last year's Final Four and wants to better celebrate the team's accomplishments this time. The game is scheduled for Friday evening at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Key details: - UCLA enters the Final Four with a 35-1 record and will play Texas, which is 35-3. - The article identifies Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalic, Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens as central figures on the roster. - In the teams' earlier meeting in November, Texas led by 10 after the first quarter and by 20 at halftime on its way to a 76-65 win. - Texas guard Rori Harmon scored a season-high 26 points and played all 40 minutes in that November game, and UCLA plans defensive adjustments using multiple point-guard options. - The article notes Texas junior Madison Booker averages 19.3 points and is shooting 84.9% from the free-throw line, and that she is on pace to become the Longhorns' all-time leading scorer next season. Summary: The winner of Friday's semifinal will advance to the NCAA championship game to face either UConn or South Carolina, and a UCLA victory would give the Bruins their first chance at a national title. The matchup will highlight point-guard matchups and adjustments from both teams as UCLA seeks to respond to its earlier loss to Texas.