The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament Sweet 16 matchup between Oklahoma and UConn brings together two storied programs with something to prove. For UConn, it’s about maintaining their legacy and pushing for yet another Final Four appearance behind superstar Paige Bueckers. For Oklahoma, it’s about announcing their return to national relevance with a bold upset.
Can the Sooners’ balanced scoring and post presence challenge UConn’s elite defense and tournament-tested veterans?
🔥 How Oklahoma Reached the Sweet 16
- Round of 64: Defeated FGCU 85-63
- Round of 32: Defeated Iowa 77-68
This is Oklahoma’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013, and they got here by knocking off powerhouse Iowa—a statement win. Raegan Beers, the Oregon State transfer, has been the heart of this March run. She brings toughness, elite rebounding, and smart interior scoring to the floor.
Head coach Jennie Baranczyk has her team clicking at the right time. The Sooners have won 11 of their last 12 games and are shooting over 47% in tournament play. They play with confidence, share the ball, and aren’t afraid of the moment.
💙 How UConn Reached the Sweet 16
- Round of 64: Defeated Gardner-Webb 93-41
- Round of 32: Defeated Baylor 78-59
UConn’s run of dominance continues—this is their 31st consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. The Huskies are led by the legendary Paige Bueckers, who is averaging 19.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 4.4 RPG. Bueckers recently declared for the 2025 WNBA Draft, adding even more urgency to her final March run.
The Huskies haven’t just been winning—they’ve been overwhelming opponents. Their defense has allowed just 50 points per game in the tournament so far, and they’re shooting nearly 52% from the field. Azzi Fudd and freshman Sarah Strong add scoring depth, while Jana El Alfy anchors the post.
💰 Oklahoma vs UConn Odds & Best Bets
| Bet Type | Odds |
| Spread | UConn -7.5 |
| Over/Under | 136.5 |
| Moneyline | UConn -330 |
| Moneyline | Oklahoma +260 |
🔒 Best Bets:
- UConn -7.5: The Huskies have won both tournament games by 19+ points. If Bueckers gets rolling early, this could get away from the Sooners.
- Under 136.5: UConn’s defense is suffocating, and Oklahoma may struggle to score consistently inside.
- Paige Bueckers 20+ Points + UConn Win (Prop): She’s built for March—and she knows it’s now or never.
If you need help check out guide for beginners on how to bet on March Madness.
📊 Oklahoma vs UConn: Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Oklahoma Sooners | UConn Huskies |
| Overall Record | 27-7 | 33-3 |
| Tournament Seed | No. 3 | No. 2 |
| Points Per Game | 78.2 | 81.7 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 65.4 | 51.5 |
| FG% | 45.9% | 50.8% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 39.8 | 40.6 |
| Assists Per Game | 18.6 | 21.1 |
| 3PT Shooting | 34.7% | 36.3% |
⭐️ Key Players to Watch in Oklahoma vs UConn
UConn Huskies
- Paige Bueckers (G): The engine behind UConn’s offense and defense. She’s averaging nearly 20 PPG and has delivered in every clutch moment.
- Azzi Fudd (G): Reliable scorer and sharpshooter who stretches the floor.
- Sarah Strong (F): One of the most dynamic freshmen in the country.
- Jana El Alfy (C): 6’5″ presence in the paint, averaging nearly 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.
Oklahoma Sooners
- Raegan Beers (C): The Oregon State transfer is averaging a double-double and gives Oklahoma a real shot in the post.
- Payton Verhulst (G): Perimeter scoring threat who dropped 21 in the Round of 32 win.
- Nevaeh Tot (G): Floor general who controls tempo and finds shooters.
🧠 Coaching Battle
- Geno Auriemma (UConn): A living legend. 11 national championships. Countless deep March runs. No one is more prepared for big-game moments.
- Jennie Baranczyk (Oklahoma): Quietly building a new era of Sooners basketball. Already exceeding expectations in her third year at the helm.
🔑 Keys to the Game
What Oklahoma Must Do:
- Win the paint battle: Beers needs to draw fouls and dominate early against El Alfy.
- Limit turnovers: UConn forces mistakes and scores in transition.
- Knock down threes: UConn’s interior D is tough—Sooners must hit outside shots to stay in it.
What UConn Must Do:
- Start fast: A quick double-digit lead could crush Oklahoma’s upset hopes.
- Feed Bueckers & Fudd: Don’t overcomplicate it—let the stars take over.
- Keep Beers off the glass: If Oklahoma gets second-chance points, this becomes a grind.
🏆 Oklahoma vs UConn Prediction: Who Wins?
Oklahoma is on the rise—and their win over Iowa was no fluke. But this UConn team is locked in, and Paige Bueckers is on a mission in her final tournament. The Sooners will battle, but the Huskies’ experience, depth, and defense will ultimately carry the day.
Final Score Prediction: UConn 74, Oklahoma 62
Pick: UConn -7.5
MVP: Paige Bueckers (22 pts, 6 ast, 3 stl)
📺 How to Watch Oklahoma vs UConn Women
- Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM ET
- Location: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, WA
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+, fuboTV, NCAA March Madness Live
🧠 Final Word: Can Oklahoma Shock the World?
The Oklahoma vs UConn Sweet 16 showdown has upset potential—but only if the Sooners play a near-perfect game. UConn has size, depth, and Paige Bueckers playing some of the best basketball of her career.
If Oklahoma can hit early threes and get Beers going, we could see a thriller. But all signs point to another UConn March masterpiece.
