In the 2024-2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament Elite Eight, the USC Trojans (31-3) and UConn Huskies (31-3) are set to clash in a matchup that’s got the entire basketball world buzzing. This rematch from last season’s Elite Eight is already sizzling with intensity—USC’s stunning 72-70 victory over UConn in the regular season, fueled by JuJu Watkins’ 25-point showstopper, is fresh in the memory. But with Watkins sidelined after tearing her ACL, the Trojans face a monumental challenge against the Huskies, who are charging full steam ahead. Led by the unstoppable Paige Bueckers—coming off a historic 40-point performance in the Sweet 16—UConn is firing on all cylinders. Two of the best players in the nation, one powerhouse team on a mission to rewrite history, and a Final Four spot on the line. This is no ordinary game; this is where legacies are made. I’ll detail it all in my preview, prediction, pick, and best bet for this NCAAW March Madness Elite Eight college basketball game between USC and UConn.
Here’s how I’ll play the game. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games each round, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more to-the-minute, point-of-need analyses and plays throughout the tournaments..
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USC vs. UConn preview, prediction
USC proved its toughness in the Sweet 16, overcoming Kansas State 67-61 despite being without their best player. Freshmen Kennedy Smith (19 points) and Avery Howell (18 points, eight rebounds) picked up the slack, while senior Kiki Iriafen contributed defensively despite struggling on offense. Still, USC is undeniably weaker without Watkins, and UConn’s elite roster will be a formidable obstacle. Bueckers, who has been playing with an unmatched sense of urgency, is the driving force behind UConn’s success, especially after her dominant 40-point showing against Oklahoma. The Huskies’ defensive prowess, forcing turnovers at a rate of over 22 per game, will put immense pressure on USC’s freshmen, who have yet to experience such an intense challenge on this stage.
UConn has been on fire throughout the tournament, and their stats reflect their dominance. They’ve won their tournament games by an average of 42 points, while scoring 81.7 points per game and holding opponents to just 50 points per game. The Huskies have also been stellar at creating turnovers, with a +12.2 turnover margin in their last 10 games. Their shooting has been sensational, hitting 52.8% from the field, and they are relentless on the boards, grabbing 34.1 rebounds per game. Conversely, USC’s defense has been solid, but they will face an entirely new level of competition in UConn. The Trojans’ defense has been tough, averaging 10.5 steals per game, but their offense has struggled at times, especially without Watkins, and they will need to step up their shooting to keep pace with UConn’s high-octane attack.
UConn vs. USC pick, best bet
The matchup is difficult to call, especially with USC’s star out, but the Huskies’ offense, defensive tenacity, and depth make them clear favorites. Despite USC’s best efforts, it’s hard to imagine them keeping pace with UConn’s relentless firepower. Bueckers’ dominant play, along with the Huskies’ experience and momentum, should be enough to propel them past USC and into the Final Four.
And, let’s just be clear, if only to allow me to wax poetic about Paige Bueckers: She isn’t just playing for another NCAA title—she’s playing to leave an indelible mark on her final run with UConn. After shredding 40 points in the Sweet 16, her postseason intensity is reaching mythical levels, and that’s just this tournament. The fire behind her eyes is one of an archetypal competitor, kindled for searing names in history books. Pair that with the Huskies’ relentless playmaking, and it means no spread—no matter how hefty—is safe. UConn will tear through any obstacle in their path, and Bueckers will make sure of it. She’s not here to win honorably over an opponent missing its star; she’s here to grind her heel into them and ball the heck out.
Best bet: UConn -13.5 (-105)
Tail Paige Bueckers to lay waste to all in her path to the tune of a 14-point UConn win with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
Want to approach your March Madness Bracket with the same precision as the top 1% of bracket pool winners? Check out what the PoolGenius optimizer has to offer!
