UConn vs. USC: Predictions, picks and odds for women's Elite 8 March Madness game
In an effort to keep pace with their male contemporaries, the UConn women's basketball team has a chance to join this year's North Carolina State squads as the 15th school to send both their men and women's basketball teams to the Final Four in the same year.
UConn has done it before...four times in fact, in 2004, 2009, 2011, and 2014. However, this would be the first time in history that two schools accomplished the feat in the same year.
Standing in their way are the daunting USC Trojans. Led by stars JuJu Watkins and McKenzie Forbes, the Trojans have remarkable depth to pair with their top-end talent. In fact, during USC's win over Baylor, the Trojans managed to keep their best players fresh by leaning on role players Kayla Williams and Clarice Akunwafo. While UConn has some great talent, most notably Paige Bueckers, their lack of depth could prove a major disadvantage. That said, the Huskies have much more experience playing on such a massive stage, and perhaps that will be enough for them to overcome the Trojans.
Here's everything to know about this Elite Eight matchup.
Women's March Madness: X-factors for the Hawkeyes and Caitlin Clark in rematch with Tigers
Predictions for No. 3 UConn vs. No. 1 USC
Action Network: USC (+3.5)
Dano Mataya writes, "No player draws more fouls or gets to the free throw line more than USC freshman JuJu Watkins. Taking over eight free throws per game, she has incredible feel and natural ability to draw fouls. I don’t see that changing against UConn, and if she is able to get any UConn starter into foul trouble, the Huskies are in serious trouble. Take the points with the Trojans."
WDBJ: UConn 72, USC 65
WDBJ likes the UConn Huskies to walk away victorious in this matchup. They point out that although USC is the higher-ranked team, the Huskies have a better record as well as higher offensive and defensive efficiencies, ranking 14th in the nation in points per game (79.9) and 23rd in points allowed per game (56.4). USC ranks 35th in offense (75.0) and 117th in defense (62.0). All in all, the Huskies have the advantage on both ends of the court.
FOX Sports: UConn 72, USC 65
FOX Sports is taking the Huskies in this matchup, noting that the Trojans have been good, but not great as the underdog this year. In games where their opponents are favored, the Trojans are just 5-3 on the season. Sure, that's a winning record, but it's not great enough to feel confident in the team's ability to overcome a team as experienced and talented as UConn.
Women's March Madness, UConn vs. USC odds, lines:
The UConn Huskies are favorites to defeat the USC Trojans in Monday's March Madness matchup, according to the BetMGM college basketball odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.
Odds as of Monday morning.
Spread: Iowa (-3.5)
Moneylines: UConn (-175); USC (+140)
Over/under: 135.5
How to watch No. 3 UConn vs. No. 1 USC
Date: Monday, April 1, 2024
Time: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Where: Moda Center in Portland, Oregon
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo
Stream the game: Watch women's March Madness action with a Fubo subscription
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UConn Huskies vs. USC Trojans: Predictions, picks, and odds
