One of the biggest matchups in the Women's NCAA Tournament has come to fruition with the No. 1 UCLA Lady Bruins facing the No. 2 UConn Lady Huskies tonight. It's a tale of two teams with completely different narratives stepping into the Final Four.
On one hand, Paige Bueckers and the Huskies are running through opponents with ease and making headlines, while Lauren Betts and the Bruins are leaving their mark on UCLA history.
However, even at the tail end of the tournament, the Bruins continue to remain slept on.
What will it take for people to wake up and see what the UCLA Bruins are doing? Defeating a team like the Huskies would certainly do the trick.
Let's get into my UConn vs. UCLA predictions and March Madness picks for Friday, April 4.
Who will win UConn vs UCLA?
The incredible run by the UCLA Bruins comes to an end here. The Huskies are just too good. Sure, we all love an upset and that's what make the Women's NCAA Tournament even greater, but that won't be the case in this Final Four matchup.
However, that doesn't mean you should underestimate the Bruins. They've been overlooked and underappreciated throughout the tournament and have made it to their first Final Four in program history.
They're motivated. They're ready to prove a point. And they're fed up with not receiving the credit that they rightfully deserve, but teams that have played under Geno Auriemma have never been the type to get cocky or dismiss an opponent.
Count on the Huskies to get one game closer to cutting down the nets.
UConn vs UCLA prediction
My best bet: UCLA +7.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The biggest test for the UConn Lady Huskies in this matchup is similar to what they faced when they took on Raegan Beers and the Oklahoma Sooners: keeping up in the post.
Lauren Betts is the UCLA version of that challenge. Still, this time, this is a dominant post player on a team that has the experience of pulling off major upsets (i.e., defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the regular season).
Will that type of upset be made in this contest? I doubt it.
The Huskies have freshmen such as Jana El Alfy and Sarah Strong with room to grow in that position and put up a solid fight against an experienced player such as Betts.
They've shown that they can adjust on the fly to weather whatever storm they encounter.
Besides that, the Huskies have this all lined up in their favor but expect the Bruins keep it close enough to bet on their spread.
UConn vs UCLA same-game parlay (SGP)
UConn moneyline
Over 135
UCLA +7.5
The Huskies didn't make it this far just to lie down and come up short. Don't get me wrong, the Bruins have what it takes to take advantage of UConn in the post and having the offensive weapons to keep up, but the experience of UConn is just too good to pass up on the moneyline here.
The weapons that I speak of? Well, it's obvious from Paige Bueckers, Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, Kiki Rice, Sarah Strong and that's just to name a few. Each side brings the heat to have this total meet the Over.
Much like my previous point, these two teams are no slouch and this one will a matchup that you'll want to grab your popcorn for as the Bruins will make it interesting for the Huskies throughout all four quarters.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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UConn vs UCLA opening odds
- Spread: UConn -8.5 (-105) | UCLA +8.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: UConn -425 | UCLA +325
- Over/Under: Over 135.5 (-110) | Under 135.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
How to watch UConn vs UCLA
| Location | Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL |
| Date | Friday, 4-4-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
UConn vs UCLA key injuries
UConn : No key injuries.
UCLA : No key injuries.
Not intended for use in MA.
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