Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

UConn and UCLA Prepare for Historic Final Four Clash in Tampa

UConn's storied legacy meets UCLA's first NCAA Final Four appearance, with Paige Bueckers and Lauren Betts leading their teams into a highly anticipated showdown.

Apr 3, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close talks to media before the NCAA Woman’s Final Four at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Image
Image

Overview

  • UConn enters the Final Four as the betting favorite, riding a 14-game winning streak since their last loss on February 6 to Tennessee.
  • Despite being the No. 1 seed, UCLA embraces its underdog role in what coach Cori Close calls the 'most non-talked-about No. 1 team in history.'
  • Paige Bueckers has been a standout for UConn, averaging 35 points over her last three games, including a program-record 40 points in the Sweet 16.
  • UCLA's Lauren Betts, named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, has made tournament history with consecutive dominant performances and anchors a deep roster.
  • The matchup highlights the growth of women's basketball, contrasting UConn's established dominance with UCLA's rise as a national contender.