The LSU Tigers are making their third consecutive Elite Eight appearance, but a powerhouse UCLA team led by dominant center Lauren Betts is standing in their way.
The Bruins (31-5) have steamrolled through the NCAA Tournament, relying on Betts’ exceptional scoring and rebounding ability. Meanwhile, LSU (31-5) pulled off an impressive comeback victory over NC State in the Sweet 16, again proving its resilience. With a Final Four berth on the line, this high-stakes showdown at Spokane Arena promises to be a must-watch battle.
LSU vs. UCLA Betting Preview
All LSU vs. UCLA odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, March 29, 2025.
- Spread: UCLA -4.5
- Moneyline: LSU +145, UCLA -185
- Over/Under: 147.5
- Game Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
- Game Time: 2 p.m. CT
- Location: Spokane Arena | Spokane, WA
- How to Watch: ABC
UCLA enters this game as the favorite, largely due to the presence of Lauren Betts, who has been nearly unstoppable throughout the tournament. She posted a dominant 31-point, 10-rebound performance against Ole Miss, showcasing the Rebels’ lack of interior defense. LSU, however, has been battle-tested and features a roster full of experience. With Angel Reese now in the WNBA, the Tigers must find a way to contain Betts in the paint, likely relying on a combination of aggressive help defense and double teams.
LSU vs. UCLA CSN Winning Probability
UCLA: 62%
LSU: 38%
According to CSN’s advanced analytics model, UCLA has a 62% chance of winning this Elite Eight matchup. This projection aligns closely with the Vegas odds, where UCLA is a 4.5-point favorite. The biggest factor in these calculations is UCLA’s defense and rebounding, as well as LSU’s struggles when facing elite interior play. If LSU can speed up the tempo and force UCLA into an up-and-down game, the Tigers could flip the script.
Prediction for LSU vs. UCLA
This matchup will ultimately come down to whether LSU can limit Lauren Betts. The Tigers’ frontcourt will have its hands full trying to contain her without getting into foul trouble. LSU does have offensive firepower, but UCLA’s defense ranks among the nation’s best, allowing just 57.1 points per game.
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LSU’s best path to victory is pushing the pace and attacking UCLA in transition, something they excelled at during the SEC season. If the Tigers can get hot from three-point range and force UCLA into foul trouble, they have a legitimate shot at the upset. However, Betts has been too dominant, and unless LSU can completely disrupt her rhythm, the Bruins should control the paint and, ultimately, the game.
Prediction: UCLA 76, LSU 69
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