UCLA Women's Basketball vs LSU: How to Watch, Odds, Predictions, and More

Eva Geitheim | Mar 29, 2024

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Can the Bruins upset the reigning national champions?

In one of the top NCAA Sweet 16 clashes of the year, No. 2 UCLA will go up against No. 3 LSU for a shot at reaching the Elite Eight. Both UCLA and LSU have defeated their opponents in the first two rounds to reach the Sweet 16 again.

For UCLA, they swiftly defeated No. 15 Cal Baptist 84-55 in the first round. In the second round, the Bruins had to win a comeback game against No. 7 Creighton to return to the Sweet 16 for the second straight season. If UCLA can get the win, they'll return to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2018.

Getting the win will be no easy feat with the Bruins going up against a stacked LSU team that includes players like Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith, Aneesah Morrow and Flau'jae Johnson.

The good news for the Bruins' hopes is they finished the season and will come into this game ranked higher than the Tigers. UCLA ranked No. 6 in the AP Top 25 poll at the end of the year while LSU ranked No. 8. The Bruins are a two-seed while the Tigers are a three-seed. A ranking of course doesn't determine anything on the court, but at least on paper shows that UCLA is up to par with the defending champs.

How to watch:

LSU-UCLA will begin at 10 a.m. PT. The game will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The game will also be available to stream on Fubo, YouTube TV, or Sling TV.

Odds:

LSU is favored (-3.5) to win this game over UCLA (+3.5). The over/under is set at 144.5.

Predictions:

This game could go either way, but LSU's experience looks to give them the edge here.

LSU 78, UCLA 73

More:

Can Charisma Osborne rebound? Osborne recorded just five points for the Bruins in their win over Creighton. While Kiki Rice (24 points) and Lauren Betts (20 points and 10 rebounds) were fantastic, it will help to have Osborne back on point against the Tigers. The Tigers have four strong shooting threats, making it extra important for UCLA to have their core trio all at their best.

Another key for UCLA will be stopping Angel Reese. Reese has had a fantastic season and is second in the NCAA in rebounds per game. Snatching some of her rebound opportunities could significantly improve UCLA's odds.