Get a full preview of the LSU vs UCLA women Elite Eight showdown in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. It’s a heavyweight battle in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament as top-seeded UCLA faces off against reigning champion LSU in a star-studded Elite Eight matchup. Both teams boast elite talent, dominant forwards, and deep tournament experience—but only one can punch a ticket to the Final Four.
The storyline is clear: Can LSU slow down Lauren Betts, the Bruins’ unstoppable All-American center? And will Flau’jae Johnson, LSU’s star guard, be healthy enough to take the floor?
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🔥 How LSU Reached the Elite Eight
- Round of 64: Defeated Rice 88-55
- Round of 32: Defeated Middle Tennessee 83-56
- Sweet 16: Defeated NC State 80-73
The Tigers clawed their way past NC State in the Sweet 16 behind a monster performance from Aneesah Morrow, who dropped 30 points and 19 rebounds, and Sa’Myah Smith, who added 21 points and 11 boards. LSU used a fourth-quarter surge to overcome a physical Wolfpack team and advance to their third straight Elite Eight.
However, the status of Flau’jae Johnson remains a concern. The dynamic scorer left the NC State game with an eye injury and was experiencing double vision, per head coach Kim Mulkey. She’s LSU’s leading scorer—and her absence would be a massive blow.
💙 How UCLA Reached the Elite Eight
- Round of 64: Defeated Portland State 84-52
- Round of 32: Defeated Creighton 67-63
- Sweet 16: Defeated Ole Miss 76-62
UCLA has looked every bit like a No. 1 seed, especially in their Sweet 16 win over Ole Miss. Lauren Betts was utterly dominant, scoring 31 points on 15-of-16 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds. She is averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds per game in the tournament and is the clear X-factor in this LSU vs UCLA showdown.
Kiki Rice added 13 points and 7 assists, while Londynn Jones continues to provide spacing from the perimeter. The Bruins are balanced, deep, and have the nation’s best low-post player.
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📊 LSU vs UCLA: Team Comparison
| Category | LSU Tigers | UCLA Bruins |
| Overall Record | 31-5 | 33-2 |
| Points Per Game | 85.3 (5th) | 77.1 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 38.1 | 38.7 (5th) |
| FG% | 45.9% | 48.5% (Last 10) |
| 3PT% | 33.2% | 35.7% |
| Tournament Wins Margin | +25.6 avg. | +20.3 avg. |
| KenPom Offensive Rating | 4th | 7th |
| KenPom Defensive Rating | 21st | 9th |
⭐️ Key Players in LSU vs UCLA
LSU Tigers
- Aneesah Morrow (F): Averaging 18.8 PPG and 13.7 RPG in the tournament. A relentless rebounder and interior scorer.
- Sa’Myah Smith (F): Double-double threat who will be key in trying to contain Betts.
- Mikaylah Williams (G): Averaging 18.8 points over the last 10 games; she’ll be critical if Flau’jae Johnson is sidelined.
- Flau’jae Johnson (G, Questionable): LSU’s top scorer and emotional leader. Status TBD due to eye injury.
UCLA Bruins
- Lauren Betts (C): Dominating the tournament with 25 PPG and 10 RPG, shooting an absurd 93.7% in the Sweet 16.
- Kiki Rice (PG): Floor general averaging 7 assists and capable of breaking down LSU’s perimeter defense.
- Londynn Jones (G): Spacing specialist with 2.0 made threes per game at a 35.7% clip.
🧠 Coaching Battle: Kim Mulkey vs Cori Close
- Kim Mulkey (LSU): Already has four national titles and brings unmatched March pedigree. However, she’ll have to scheme around a key injury and a dominant opposing center.
- Cori Close (UCLA): Brilliant tactician who has turned UCLA into a powerhouse. Her system has maximized Betts’ interior dominance and balanced offensive flow.
💰 LSU vs UCLA Odds, Picks & Betting Analysis
| Bet Type | Line |
| Spread | UCLA -4.5 |
| Over/Under | 147.5 |
| Moneyline | UCLA -185 |
| Moneyline | LSU +145 |
🔒 Best Bets:
- UCLA -4.5: With or without Johnson, Betts is a matchup nightmare. UCLA has too much size and discipline inside.
- Over 147.5: LSU scores in bunches, and UCLA is efficient. This could turn into a shootout in the second half.
- Lauren Betts Over 24.5 Points: No one has stopped her in the tournament. LSU’s size isn’t enough alone.
🔑 Keys to the Game
What LSU Must Do:
- Limit Betts’ post touches—front her early and send help quickly.
- Win the glass—LSU averages 38.1 rebounds per game but must exceed that to stay competitive.
- Avoid foul trouble—especially for Morrow and Smith.
- Get production from the bench—especially if Johnson is out.
What UCLA Must Do:
- Feed Betts early and often—she’s nearly automatic inside 10 feet.
- Control pace—don’t let LSU’s athleticism dictate tempo.
- Close out on shooters—Mikaylah Williams and others can heat up from deep if left open.
🏆 LSU vs UCLA Prediction: Who Wins?
UCLA has looked elite on both ends of the court, and Lauren Betts is playing like the best player in the tournament. With Flau’jae Johnson’s status uncertain, the Tigers may not have the firepower or depth to keep up for 40 minutes.
Prediction: UCLA 82, LSU 73
Pick: UCLA -4.5
Best Bet: Betts 25+ points, UCLA Moneyline
MVP: Lauren Betts (28 pts, 12 reb, 3 blk)
📺 How to Watch LSU vs UCLA Elite Eight
- Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT
- Location: Spokane Arena, WA
- TV: ABC
- Streaming: ESPN+, fuboTV, NCAA March Madness Live
🧠 Final Word: Can LSU Upset the No. 1 Seed?
LSU vs UCLA will come down to LSU’s ability to defend the paint and rebound—especially if they’re without their top scorer. If Morrow and Smith can contain Betts even a little and LSU forces tempo, an upset is possible.
But Betts has been dominant. And when history shows a dominant center playing her best ball in March, that usually means a Final Four is next.
