No. 3 Oklahoma has its tallest task in having the No. 2 UConn Huskies next on deck for the Sweet 16 round of the Women's NCAA Tournament.
Paige Bueckers has officially announced that she will be declaring for the WNBA Draft following this college basketball season. As though the Huskies needed any more motivation, this news will likely push them even more to go out with a bang.
My Oklahoma vs. UConn predictions explain why the Sooners won't be able to measure up to what the Huskies have in store. Let's get into my March Madness picks for Saturday, March 29, before tip-off at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Who will win Oklahoma vs UConn?
This one is a no-brainer. It's the Huskies' game for the taking. UConn has Oklahoma outmatched in every way, except for in the post. The Huskies are in a league of their own when it comes to their elite guards, but post players are a different story.
This is where the Sooners can catch Auriemma's team in a vulnerable position, especially with a one-of-a-kind player such as Raegan Beers —who leads Oklahoma in points (17.5 ppg) and rebounds (9.3 rpg).
If they're able to keep Beers' performance to a minimum, then they'll be in full control to cruise to the Elite 8.
Oklahoma vs UConn prediction
My best bet: UConn -14.5 (-115 at bet365)
This spread is what it is for a reason. Geno Auriemma's squad has been a force to be reckoned with, and that won't change with game-changers such as Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd at the helm.
Let's start with the upcoming No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. Bueckers is coming off of a strong 34-point second-round performance where she shot an efficient 14-for-21 from the field against South Dakota State.
With it being confirmed that this will be the last game of seeing her in a UConn jersey, it's no secret that Bueckers and Co. will want to end this in a special way before she makes the jump to go pro.
Meanwhile, the Huskies will get Fudd back for another season, and this tournament run means something different for her. After missing back-to-back tournament runs due to injuries, Fudd is finally getting her moment to shine for the first time since helping the Huskies battle the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 NCAA Tournament title game.
It's been a long time coming, but Fudd has picked up right where she left off three seasons ago, proving to be the perfect complement to Bueckers as they navigate each opponent with ease so far.
Besides being superior in guard play, there's much deeper meaning to why UConn will walk into this matchup motivated and on a mission. With the Huskies standing on business when it comes to their defense — limiting opponents to just 51.5 points per game — I see that trend continuing, with them finding a way to manage the test of Raegan Beers fairly well.
Oklahoma vs UConn same-game parlay (SGP)
UConn -14.5
UConn 1H moneyline
Under 153.5
No disrespect to OU, but keeping UConn contained will be no walk in the park. Much like my previous point, I don't envision the Huskies having any issues taking care of a spread this wide.
Because of that, I believe that UConn sets the tone early in the first half to stick it to the Sooners before they can even try and get into a solid offensive rhythm.
And these Huskies have stated this multiple times: Defense wins championships. Their top-of-the-line defense will prevent Oklahoma from having a successful night, which will surely keep the game total Under.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your March Madness ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game CBB moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your school goes up by 15+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Oklahoma vs UConn opening odds
- Spread: Oklahoma +14.5 (-105) | UConn -14.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Oklahoma +850 | UConn -1400
- Over/Under: Over 153.5 (-110) | Under 153.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
How to watch Oklahoma vs UConn
| Location | Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane, WA |
| Date | Saturday, 3-29-2025 |
| Tip-off | 5:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Oklahoma vs UConn key injuries
Oklahoma: No key injuries.
UConn: No key injuries.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
