The 2025 NCAA Tournament continues to deliver unforgettable drama, and the UConn vs USC matchup in the Elite Eight is set to be one of the most high-profile games of the postseason. Two of the nation’s most storied women’s basketball programs collide in a regional final that could define the legacy of this tournament.
Taking place at Spokane Arena on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET, this battle between the UConn Huskies and the USC Trojans brings together star power, history, and postseason grit.
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📍 Game Info: UConn vs USC
- Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM ET
- Location: Spokane Arena (Spokane, WA)
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN App / ESPN+
🔢 UConn vs USC Women’s Basketball Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| UConn | -13.5 (-102) | 140.5 | -1200 |
| USC | +13.5 (-118) | 140.5 | +750 |
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🏀 Two Teams, One Ticket to the Final Four
This will be the second time these two teams meet this regular season, with USC earning a dramatic 72-70 victory back in December behind JuJu Watkins’ 25-point performance. But with Watkins out due to injury, the storyline for the UConn vs USC rematch has shifted.
The Trojans (31-3) haven’t slowed down since losing their star. Led by a trio of freshmen — Kennedy Smith, Avery Howell, and Kayleigh Heckel — USC has powered through the NCAA Tournament with resilience and balance.
UConn (34-3), meanwhile, is playing its best basketball of the season. Led by superstar Paige Bueckers, the Huskies are unbeaten in their last 10 games, including an 82-59 dismantling of Oklahoma in the Sweet 16.
🔥 Team Breakdown: UConn Huskies
Record: 34-3 (21-0 Big East)
Streak: 10 wins in a row
Notable Wins: South Carolina, Seton Hall, Oklahoma
The Huskies are clicking on every level. Their ball movement is elite (21.1 APG), their scoring is balanced, and their defense is suffocating. Over the past 10 games, they’re averaging 84.0 points per game while holding opponents to just 50.0 — the definition of dominance.
In the Sweet 16, Paige Bueckers dropped a career-high 40 points on Oklahoma, shooting 16-of-27 and 6-of-8 from deep. She’s averaging 23.2 points over her last 10 and has shown why she’s one of the tournament’s most valuable players.
Other key contributors include:
- Sarah Strong: 15.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG
- Aaliyah Edwards: Interior dominance, defense, and leadership
The second half has been especially kind to UConn this March. Against Oklahoma, they broke the game open after halftime with an unstoppable scoring run. Expect more of the same if they can force turnovers and get to the free throw line.
🔥 Team Breakdown: USC Trojans
Record: 31-3 (18-2 Big Ten)
Streak: 9-1 last 10 games
Notable Wins: Kansas State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss
The Trojans’ journey to the Elite Eight hasn’t been easy, but their fourth quarter execution has been the difference. In their win over Kansas State, they outscored the Wildcats down the stretch and locked in defensively in the final minute.
Despite the absence of JuJu Watkins, USC has found production in unlikely places:
- Kennedy Smith: 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting in the Sweet 16
- Avery Howell: Versatile scorer averaging 2.0 made threes over last 10
- Kayleigh Heckel: Controlling the pace, handling pressure, making big plays
The third quarter has been a key stretch for the Trojans, often flipping momentum out of the break with their physicality and offensive rebounding.
📊 Stat Comparison
| Stat | UConn | USC |
| Points per game | 81.7 | 77.5 |
| Points allowed | 52.1 | 58.8 |
| Field goal % | 52.8% | 42.6% |
| Rebounds per game | 34.1 | 36.1 |
| Assists per game | 20.5 | 17.1 |
| Steals per game | 12.2 | 10.5 |
| Blocks per game | 5.3 | 5.9 |
Both teams are elite, but UConn has the edge in offensive efficiency and ball security. USC will need to create chaos and dominate the glass — especially against a UConn team that rarely loses the rebound battle.
🔎 Key Matchups to Watch
🆚 Paige Bueckers vs USC Backcourt
The biggest question for the Trojans: who slows down Bueckers? Without Watkins on the floor, USC lacks a two-way perimeter threat who can challenge Bueckers on both ends. Double-teams are risky, especially when UConn’s shooters are hot.
🆚 Frontcourt Battle: Edwards & Strong vs Howell & Smith
Expect a bruising matchup inside. USC may hold a slight edge in size, but UConn’s post players are more refined offensively. Whichever team controls the paint likely wins.
🆚 Clutch Factor in the Fourth Quarter
USC has made a habit of finishing games strong. But if UConn builds a double-digit lead by the second half, will the Trojans have enough firepower to come back?
📈 UConn vs USC Betting Trends
- UConn is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games
- USC is 3-0 ATS as a double-digit underdog
- Under is 6-2 in UConn’s last 8 games
- Over is 5-2 in USC’s last 7 tournament appearances
🧠 UConn vs USC Prediction
Final Score Prediction: UConn 76, USC 60
Best Bet: UConn -13.5 | Under 140.5
USC’s run has been inspiring, and Kennedy Smith has become a star in the making. But this feels like Paige Bueckers’ moment. With a Final Four on the line, expect the Huskies to lock in, especially after losing the first meeting back in December.
UConn’s defense will be the difference in this game. Their ability to limit second-chance points, pressure ball-handlers, and finish possessions will break USC’s rhythm. Expect a tighter first half followed by a dominant second act from Geno Auriemma’s squad.
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🏁 UConn vs USC Women’s Basketball: The Road to the Final Four
This UConn vs USC Elite Eight clash is a rematch months in the making. But the circumstances have changed — and so has UConn. With Paige Bueckers playing like the tournament’s MVP and the Huskies firing on all cylinders, they’re one step away from the Final Four.
For USC, the fight continues. Their heart, youth, and defense have carried them past Seton Hall, Kansas State, and other formidable opponents. But against this Huskies machine, it may take a perfect game — and some late magic — to pull off another upset.
