Connecticut is going for its 12th national championship. UCLA has earned its first Final Four berth … ever.
It’s a mismatch historically, but these current iterations are both title-worthy. The top-seeded Bruins have just two losses all year (both to JuJu Watkins’ Trojans) and are a total wagon inside around All-American Lauren Betts. The Huskies are doing their usual postseason demoralization under Geno Auriemma, and the big three of Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong now get their toughest test of the tourney for a spot in the final game.
How to watch No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 2 UConn
- What: Women’s Final Four
- Venue: Amalie Arena — Tampa, Fla.
- Time: 9 p.m. ET, Friday
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
- Watching in-person? Get tickets on StubHub.
UCLA walked through the first weekend of the tournament. Things were only marginally more competitive in the Sweet 16 game against Ole Miss, in which Betts posted 31 points on absurd 15-of-16 shooting. The lengthy, disciplined Bruins held off starry LSU in last round’s 72-65 slugger, flummoxing both Aneesah Morrow and Mikaylah Williams.
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This defense is tough at the rim and dominant on the boards. Betts blocked six shots in the Elite Eight win, while high-energy starters Gabriela Jaquez and Angela Dugalic forced a bunch of critical turnovers. The 3-ball is falling for them, too, going 42 percent behind the arc against LSU and 44 percent versus Mississippi. Jaquez was 4-of-5 last time out, and the dynamic backcourt of Kiki Rice and Londynn Jones can light it up quickly.
The best Bruins bunch in program history is still an underdog (underbear?) to second-seeded UConn. Fellow All-American Bueckers is the biggest star in the sport right now. Behold, her averages from the past three rounds (prepare accordingly) — 35 points, four rebounds, 3.7 assists and a full five stocks (steals + blocks) on 59/62/82 shooting splits.
She fits the school’s star mold of Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, with an unmatched global gravity that’s further elevated the winningest program in Division I.
She’s not balling out alone, though. Sarah Strong, the 6-foot-2 freshman sensation, had an efficient 22/17/4 line against USC, and popped out to hit four 3s. Containing Bueckers is taxing enough, with her deep dribble-drive bag and infinite range; having a big as graceful as Strong lays out even more floor to cover. And Azzi Fudd has found a career-best shooting stroke. She was limited in the last two outings, but drilled 9-of-14 3s in the first two rounds.
The winner draws either Madison Booker’s Texas Longhorns or the reigning champion South Carolina Gamecocks. The title game tips off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
This matchup can also be streamed on ESPN+.
UCLA vs. UConn odds
Streaming and Betting/Odds links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
(Photo of Paige Bueckers: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
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