Who is the next opponent for LSU women’s basketball in the 2025 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight?

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Who is the next opponent for LSU women’s basketball in the 2025 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight?

LSU women’s basketball is back in the Elite Eight. Kim Mulkey and the Tigers (31-5) took NC State’s best shot in the Sweet 16 inside Spokane Arena but from down four points with four minutes remaining outscored the Wolfpack 18-7 over that stretch to win 80-73 to move on to the Spokane 1 Regional championship.

No. 3 seed LSU will meet No. 1 seed UCLA (33-2) on Sunday for a spot in the Women’s Final Four in Tampa next weekend.

The Bruins, led by All-American 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts, defeated Ole Miss 76-62 in Spokane to advance.

Who does LSU women’s basketball play next in March Madness?

LSU will play UCLA in the Elite Eight of the March Madness bracket. The Tigers and Bruins have recent postseason history between them.

The two programs faced off in the Sweet 16 last season in Albany, New York, where the Tigers rallied to beat UCLA 78-69.

LSU women’s basketball vs UCLA game time

LSU and UCLA will square off at 2 p.m. CT Sunday inside Spokane Arena. The winner of the game advances to the Final Four.

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is reaching its climax, and one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the Elite Eight features the No. 3 seed LSU Tigers facing off against the No. 2 seed UCLA Bruins. The game will tip off at 2 p.m. CT on ABC from Spokane Arena, with both teams battling for a coveted spot in the Final Four.

Path to the Elite Eight

LSU Tigers’ Journey

LSU, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, has fought through a tough bracket to reach this point. The Tigers have shown resilience and depth, overcoming fierce competition in the Sweet 16 with a hard-fought win against No. 5 seed Ohio State. Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith, and Flau’jae Johnson have been key contributors throughout the tournament, displaying a combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess.

  • Sweet 16 Result: LSU defeated Ohio State 75-69
  • Key Player: Angel Reese (22 points, 12 rebounds)
  • X-Factor: Hailey Van Lith’s playmaking ability in crucial moments

UCLA Bruins’ Journey

The Bruins have been dominant throughout the tournament, showcasing their depth and defensive intensity. They secured an impressive Sweet 16 victory over No. 6 seed Indiana, controlling the pace of the game and forcing turnovers. Lauren Betts and Charisma Osborne have been standout performers, leading UCLA on both ends of the floor.

  • Sweet 16 Result: UCLA defeated Indiana 78-64
  • Key Player: Lauren Betts (20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks)
  • X-Factor: Charisma Osborne’s perimeter defense

Key Matchups to Watch

Angel Reese vs. Lauren Betts

This battle in the paint will be a defining factor in the game. Reese’s physicality and rebounding ability will be tested against Betts’ shot-blocking presence and post scoring. The winner of this matchup could determine which team controls the boards and second-chance opportunities.

Hailey Van Lith vs. Charisma Osborne

Van Lith’s offensive creativity will be challenged by Osborne’s relentless defense. If Van Lith can find her rhythm and create open looks for her teammates, LSU’s offense will flow more efficiently. On the other side, Osborne’s ability to attack off the dribble and hit timely shots will be crucial for UCLA.

Bench Contributions

Depth could play a pivotal role, as both teams will need key minutes from their reserves. LSU’s Aneesah Morrow and UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez could be game-changers with their ability to provide instant offense off the bench.

Game Strategies

LSU’s Keys to Victory

  • Dominating the Paint: Reese and Morrow must establish their presence early against UCLA’s frontcourt.
  • Defensive Pressure: LSU needs to disrupt UCLA’s ball movement and limit easy scoring opportunities.
  • Three-Point Shooting: A strong perimeter game from Van Lith and Johnson will be necessary to stretch UCLA’s defense.

UCLA’s Keys to Victory

  • Controlling the Tempo: The Bruins must dictate the pace and prevent LSU from turning the game into a transition battle.
  • Rebounding Battle: Winning the boards will be crucial, especially against a dominant rebounding team like LSU.
  • Perimeter Defense: If UCLA can limit LSU’s outside shooting, they will have a significant advantage.

This matchup is set to be a thrilling battle between two powerhouse programs. LSU’s experience and star power give them a slight edge, but UCLA’s depth and defensive discipline make them a formidable opponent. Expect a close contest that could come down to the final minutes.

Final Prediction: LSU 74, UCLA 71

With a Final Four berth on the line, both teams will leave everything on the court in what promises to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament.

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