UConn vs. UCLA: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends and Stats for the 2025 NCAA Women's Final Four
UConn vs. UCLA: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends and Stats for the 2025 NCAA Women's Final Four
Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies (35-3) are in Tampa, FL to take on Lauren Betts and the Bruins of UCLA (34-2) in the second game of Final Four Friday.
The Huskies are back in the Final Four for the 16th time in the last 17 years. They won Region 4 with a 78-64 victory over USC in the Elite 8. The All-America Bueckers led UConn with 31 points, three rebounds, and six assists.
Advertisement
The Bruins won Region 1 with a 72-65 win over LSU. Gabriela Jaquez and Lauren Betts combined for 35 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Bruins to their first Final Four.
Winners of the Big Ten Tournament, UCLA lost to only one team this season, the USC Trojans. They arrive at their first Final Four with a high-octane offense led by the 6-foot-7 Betts. Big East title holder UConn quickly found its footing after some early season struggles and arrive in Tampa with the No. 1 offense AND defense in the nation per HerHoopsStats.
The true X-factors in this game are the No. 2 options for each side. Both Azzi Fudd and Kiki Rice struggled in the Elite 8. Each scored a mere eight points in the Elite 8. Rice was 1-7 and Fudd was 3-14 from the field. Which of the two will become the offensive force they have been for much of the season?
Lets dive into the matchup and offer some information and possibly a sweat or two.
Advertisement
We've got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch the opening tip, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Game details & how to watch UConn vs. UCLA
Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 9PM EST
Site: Amalie Arena
City: Tampa, FL
Network/Streaming: ESPN/ESPN2
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest scores and player news. Check out our day-by-day NCAA Basketball Schedule Page that includes live game updates.
Game odds for UConn vs. UCLA
The latest odds as of Wednesday courtesy of BetMGM:
Advertisement
Odds: UConn Huskies (-450), UCLA Bruins (+340)
Spread: Huskies -7.5
Total: 135.5 points
Expert picks & predictions for UConn vs. UCLA
Rotoworld Best Bet
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NCAA calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, injuries, and the schedule.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's Huskies and Bruins game:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play ATS on UCLA +7.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 135.5.
UConn vs. UCLA: Top betting trends and recent stats
This is UCLA's 1st Final Four
Geno Auriemma has led UConn to 24 Final Fours during his Hall of Fame career
UConn's 14-point win over USC in the Elite 8 was their closest game of the Tournament
UCLA's 7-point win over LSU in the Elite 8 was their closest game of the season
UCLA ranks fourth nationally in assists per game, averaging 20.4
Betts averages 20.0 points per game on 64.9% shooting for the Bruins
In Round 1 against Arkansas State, UConn was favored at one point in the 2nd half by a record 80.5 points
If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NCAA Basketball Top Trends Tool on NBCSports.com!
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
· Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
· Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
· Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
· Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
College World Series winners and losers: The best and worst from Day 2 in Omaha
OMAHA, NE ― Day 2 of the 2025 Men's College World Series saw powerhouse LSU move into the winners bracket while mid-major darlings Murray State will face elimination against Arkansas. The Tigers saw a strong start from Kade Anderson in a 4-1 win over the Razorbacks, while UCLA defeated the Racers, 6-4. Advertisement LSU and UCLA will face off on June 16 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) for a spot in the semifinals, while Arkansas will face Murray State in the early game (2 p.m. ET, ESPN). Here were the Day 2 winners and losers: WINNERS Bunting Bunting has always been a bigger part of college baseball than MLB, but in a lower-scoring College World Series, teams have more frequently turned to the bunt. UCLA bunted twice in its victory, including one squeeze bunt by star shortstop Roch Cholowsky that got the Bruins a run. Ironically, Bruins coach John Savage wasn't too pleased with the play, even though it worked. "That was on his own," Savage said. "That was not us. I'm like, 'Come on, Roch, what are we doing here?' But ... how can you blame a guy for playing baseball?" Advertisement Then, in the second game, with two on and one out, LSU's Daniel Dickinson dropped down a perfect bunt single. The Tigers ultimately scored three runs in that inning. Rocco's Jello shots Rocco's, an Omaha bar most famous for its "Jello Shot Challenge," surely cheers for LSU every postseason. Tigers fans show up in droves and, known for their tailgating prowess, buy up plenty of Jell-O shots. Now, LSU is guaranteed to be in Omaha through at least Tuesday and likely longer. That will surely net Rocco's more cash − and Tigers fans more social media notoriety. Freshmen Think freshmen have become unimportant in the age of NIL and the transfer portal? Think again. Advertisement Both winning teams, UCLA and LSU, saw significant contributions from freshmen. The Tigers' Derek Curiel had two of the biggest plate appearances of the game, coming back from down 0-2 to draw a walk in an eventual three-run second inning and hitting an RBI single for an insurance run in the eighth. "I think the first at-bat might have been one of the most under-noticed, most important at-bats in the game, where he fell down 0-2 to Zach Root, and fought his way back to put a runner in scoring position for the first time," LSU coach Jay Johnson said in the postgame press conference. " ... But I'm not surprised. Like I said, he was born to hit. His disposition, his demeanor is made for hitting with runners on base is made for playing in games like the College World Series." Several other freshmen pitchers contributed for multiple teams. The Tigers' Casan Evans got the save with a scoreless ninth inning. UCLA's Easton Hawk also picked up the save after Murray State chipped away at an early lead, striking out two in a perfect inning. Arkansas reliever Cole Gibler struck out three in one inning of work. LOSERS Home runs (again) Day 1 in Omaha saw just one home run. But Day 2 featured teams with more offensive firepower, so perhaps the long ball would reappear? Advertisement Not so much. Murray State and UCLA didn't hit a single home run in their matchup and had three total extra-base hits, all doubles. Arkansas' Reese Robinett went deep in game 2, the first no-doubt home run of the tournament. Just two home runs have been hit so far in Omaha, and neither team that homered won its game. Shoelaces During the top of the fifth inning against LSU, Arkansas pitcher Gabe Gaeckle had to leave the mound and go into the dugout when his shoelace broke. Gaeckle threaded a new shoelace into his cleat and returned to the mound after a few minutes. It certainly wasn't a ringing endorsement of whoever made the shoelaces Gaeckle used, and it didn't help that Steven Milam hit a single right afterward. Advertisement After that inning, Gaeckle changed out the other shoelace in the dugout. MURRAY STATE: Has No. 4 seed ever won College World Series? How Murray State might fare at CWS Neutral fans Many people in Omaha not supporting a specific team pulled for Murray State, as evidenced by the Rocco's Jello Shot Challenge leaderboard. But the Racers will face elimination in their next game and they won't have an easy matchup with Arkansas. Those seeking hotel rooms in Omaha won't be too happy with LSU's win, either, as Tigers fans tend to be one of the largest groups in Omaha. Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@ or on X @aria_gerson. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winners and losers from Day 2 of College World Series in Omaha
NBC Sports
an hour ago
- NBC Sports
Ahmad Hudson Pledges to the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl
Tight end Ahmad Hudson (Ruston, LA/ Ruston High School), the four-star prosect has officially accepted his invitation to the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl. Having been selected to play in the twenty sixth edition of the Navy All-American Bowl, Hudson will play in the annual East vs. West matchup on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Bowl will be nationally televised, live on NBC at 1:00 PM ET, and will feature the nation's top 100 high school football players. Talk of the Town The No. 1 tight end in the country Ahmad Hudson (@AhmadHudson9) has committed to the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl#NavyAAB 🇺🇸 @AmericasNavy Hudson was selected by the Navy All-American Bowl Selection Committee, comprised of the All-American Bowl, 247Sports, and NXGN. Navy All-Americans are eligible for the Navy All-American Bowl Player of the Year Award, Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year Award, Navy All-American Bowl Defensive Player of the Year Award, Navy All-American Bowl Man of the Year, and Navy All-American Bowl Game MVP Award. Only 100 football players receive the honor of wearing the Navy All-American Bowl jersey each year. The 2026 Navy All-American Bowl from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, will be presented live on NBC and Peacock. About the All-American Bowl As an NBC Sports-owned property, the All-American Bowl is part of a marquee lineup of elite events that includes the Olympics and Paralympics, the Premier League, and primetime's #1 show for an unprecedented 13 consecutive years: Sunday Night Football. The All-American Bowl is annually the most-watched, most-talked about, and most-prestigious high school all-star event with more than four million unique television viewers and more than 25,000 fans in attendance. The history and tradition of the All-American Bowl is unparalleled, as it features: 631 draft picks; 103 Super Bowl champions; 274 Pro Bowl selections; and 18 Heisman finalists. For more information, visit or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram (@AABonNBC).
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Heat reportedly among Kevin Durant's preferred trade destinations. Where things stand
The Miami Heat is interested in acquiring 15-time All-Star forward Kevin Durant and Durant is interested in joining the Heat. After a league source confirmed the Heat's interest in Durant earlier this week, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Saturday night that the Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are Durant's three preferred trade destinations. 'Those across the NBA have been made aware in recent days that those are the three teams that Durant would commit to long-term,' Charania reported. This is important because Durant has just one season left on his contract, as he's due $54.7 million next season before he can become a free agent in the 2026 offseason. Durant, who turns 37 on Sept. 29, is eligible to sign a two-year contract extension worth as much as $112 million following a potential trade. If he waits six months after the trade, he could sign a two-year extension worth up to $124 million. ESPN's report came shortly after The Athletic listed the Spurs and Rockets as Durant's only preferred trade destinations, 'but there are complicating factors with both of those negotiations that (for now, at least) make a deal look unlikely.' The Minnesota Timberwolves are another team reportedly that have engaged the Suns in trade talks for Durant, but he's apparently not willing to make a long-term commitment to the Timberwolves. Even though the Heat, Spurs and Rockets are Durant's preferred trade destinations, the Suns could still deal him elsewhere if another team is willing to take him in as a one-year rental on an expiring contract. The Toronto Raptors went that route when they traded for Kawhi Leonard in 2018 before winning the NBA championship with Leonard in 2019 and then losing him to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019 free agency. 'The Suns have made clear to six-to-eight seriously interested teams that they will make the best deal for the franchise — even outside of his preferred list of Miami, San Antonio and Houston,' Charania reported. The Heat holds Durant in high regard but doesn't want to offer all of its trade assets — meaning its top young players and all its available draft inventory — because he's entering his late 30s. The question is whether the Heat would be willing to include 21-year-old center Kel'el Ware in a potential deal for Durant after Ware made the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team for his work this past season. The Heat can also trade two-first rounds before the draft: the 20th overall selection in this month's draft and a first-round pick in 2030 or 2031. The Heat can trade as many as three first-round picks if the deal is agreed to before the draft but not executed until after the draft. In that scenario, Miami could select a player on behalf of another team at No. 20 in this year's draft and then trade its 2030 and 2032 first-round picks after the draft. The Heat's 2032 first-round pick can't be traded until after the draft because teams cannot deal picks more than seven years out. Duncan Robinson's contract could also be attractive to the Suns, as he's due to make $19.9 million next season but only $9.9 million is currently guaranteed. A team that acquires Robinson could release him by his July 8 guarantee deadline and save $10 million against the cap and luxury tax, which would save the Suns more than $20 million and help get them under the second apron and potentially under the luxury tax line. One thing is for sure, Durant is still one of the NBA's elite scorers even at this late stage of his career. He averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 43 percent on six three-point attempts per game this past season for Suns in his 17th NBA season. Durant and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic were the only two players in the league who averaged at least 25 points per game while shooting better than 50 percent from the field and better than 40 percent from three-point range last regular season. In fact, Durant has averaged at least 25 points per game while shooting 50 percent or better from the field and 40 percent or better on threes in three straight regular seasons for the longest such streak in NBA history, according to ESPN research. Durant also shot an NBA-best 49.7 percent on jumpers, an NBA-best 53.1 percent on midrange shots and an NBA-best 50.9 percent on off-the-dribble jumpers, according to GeniusIQ. This marks at least the fourth time that the Heat has attempted to add Durant to its roster during the past decade. The Heat tried to land Durant in free agency during the 2016 offseason, then tried to acquire him in 2022 (when he requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, but he was eventually dealt to the Suns), and then made an offer for him last season before this past February's trade deadline.
