And then there were 16.
After an electric second round of NCAAW Tournament action, we’ve arrived at a Sweet 16 featuring all No. 1 seeds still standing and No. 10 Virginia as the lone double-digit seed. On Friday, #1 UCLA and #4 Minnesota face off in the Women’s Sweet 16, with the Bruins entering as 18.5-point favorites and a total set at 130.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Let’s dive into my prediction and pick for Friday’s Sweet 16 matchup, tipping off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
UCLA vs. Minnesota prediction
After a ridiculous 53-point win over Cal Baptist in the First Round — a program record for largest postseason victory — UCLA kept rolling in the Second Round behind a remarkable performance from Lauren Betts. The Bruins handled Oklahoma State 87-68, showcasing their high-powered offense and depth with four players scoring in double figures. The headliner, of course, was 6-foot-7 center Betts, who exploded for 35 points, nine rebounds and five assists on an absurd 15-of-19 shooting. It marked a career high for the senior, who continues to be the anchor of UCLA’s dominance.
As a team, UCLA shot 52% from the field and 41% from deep, pairing efficient offense with solid perimeter defense and an ability to capitalize on mistakes. Oklahoma State turned it over 11 times, leading to 16 Bruins points. After finishing sixth in the nation in scoring (85.5 PPG), UCLA’s offense looks every bit like a Final Four contender.
And now, in come the Gophers riding pure momentum. Minnesota punched its ticket to the Sweet 16 in electric fashion, knocking off No. 5 Ole Miss 65-63 on Amaya Battle’s buzzer-beating corner jumper. It’s their first Sweet 16 appearance in 21 years, and they’re coming in with confidence. The Gophers played efficient basketball, shooting 45% from the field and a blistering 58% from three, with Mara Braun knocking down four of her five attempts from deep to lead the way. Battle added 14 points, while Sophie Hart chipped in 10 — and at 6-foot-5, she’s Minnesota’s best chance at matching up with Betts inside. Minnesota also benefited from Ole Miss losing Cotie McMahon to fouls late, but there’s no margin for error here. To hang with UCLA, the Gophers will need to play clean, aggressive basketball from tip to buzzer.
The formula is simple: keep shooting. Minnesota hit seven threes in the Round of 32 and shoots 35.3% from deep on the season, but UCLA ranks fifth nationally in three-point percentage (37.5%) and can match firepower with ease. The Gophers are dancing with momentum, but now have to take down a giant to keep it going.
UCLA vs. Minnesota pick
87% of the bets on DraftKings Sportsbook are backing UCLA to win, while just 13% are on the underdogs. The Gophers may be a bit outmatched in this spot, which is more a testament to the loaded roster the reigning Big Ten Tournament champions bring than anything else.
Strong Lean: UCLA ML
