After a historic 2024-25 season that saw the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team reach their first-ever Final Four, the focus now switches to whether they can take up the challenge and win their first NCAA championship in 2025.
With an array of returning stars, impactful transfers, and top-tier recruits, the Bruins are primed for another long tournament run.
Can the Bruins Break Through? UCLA Women’s Basketball Eyes Historic 2025 Title Run
The 2024-25 season was a turning point for UCLA, as they entered the Big Ten Conference and quickly established themselves. The Bruins finished 34-3 overall, with a 16-2 conference record, and won their first Big Ten Tournament championship.
Their outstanding performance earned them the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, ending in their first Final Four participation, where they lost to eventual winners UConn.
Central to UCLA’s success is the return of key players:
- Kiki Rice: The dynamic guard continues to be a driving force in the backcourt, providing leadership and playmaking abilities.
- Lauren Betts: The powerful center received multiple awards, including AP First Team All-American and Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, after averaging 14.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
Their leadership and experience will be crucial as the Bruins pursue a national championship.
Despite recent success, UCLA faces intense rivalry for a national championship. According to BetOnline, the Bruins have the seventh-best odds of winning the championship at +1400, after favorites like South Carolina (+180), UConn (+400), and USC (+400).
UCLA’s journey to a championship requires overcoming multiple challenges:
- Health Concerns: Ensuring key players, especially incoming transfers like Leger-Walker, are healthy and ready to contribute.
- Team Chemistry: Integrating new players and developing on-court cohesion will be crucial for success.
- Competitive Conference: The Big Ten remains a formidable conference, with rivals like USC posing significant threats.
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UCLA is well-positioned to compete for its first NCAA women’s basketball championship, thanks to a strong returning core and momentum from a historic season. While challenges remain, the Bruins have the potential and commitment to make a serious run at the championship in 2025.
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