The UCLA Bruins are headed to the NCAA Women’s March Madness Final Four for the first time in program history, and they’ll face none other than the most feared name in college basketball: UConn. In a tournament with few upsets, one twist hit close to home for Los Angeles. UConn just eliminated USC in the Elite Eight.
That win blocked what could have been a dream matchup, UCLA vs. USC, on the national stage. Instead, Angelenos now rally behind the Bruins as they carry the city’s hopes into one of the tournament’s biggest matchups yet: UCLA vs. UConn in the March Madness.
Bruins Make History
UCLA’s rise to the Final Four has been driven by standout performances from Lauren Betts, a 6-foot-7 force in the paint, and clutch shooting from Gabriela Jaquez and Timea Gardiner. The team’s depth and shooting ability carried them past LSU, showing they can adapt and win in different ways, even when key players face foul trouble.
It’s been a long road. Before this run, UCLA had never reached the NCAA-era Final Four, despite several Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearances. Now, they’ve broken through.
UConn Brings the Pressure
But facing UCLA is a UConn team with a Final Four resume unlike any other. With Paige Bueckers leading the way and freshman Sarah Strong emerging as a top performer, UConn enters as the betting favorite, even as a No. 2 seed. Their win over USC was decisive, and their momentum is hard to ignore.
When is the UConn vs. UCLA March Madness matchup?
The March Madness Final Four game between UConn and UCLA will be played on Friday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. PDT. For Los Angeles, this isn’t just about basketball. It’s about city pride.
With USC out and UCLA in, the Bruins are the last L.A. team standing. The UCLA UConn March Madness showdown is more than a game. It’s a moment for the city, and it could become one of the defining stories of this year’s tournament.