March Madness Preview: Paige Bueckers & UConn Chances To Reach Finals
Paige Bueckers is looking to put a bow on an outstanding college career by leading the UConn Huskies to the NCAA women’s national title at this year’s women’s March Madness tournament.
The Huskies are the No. 2 seed in the same bracket as No. 1 seed USC, setting up another potential matchup between Bueckers and Trojans superstar JuJu Watkins in the Elite Eight. Watkins is the current favorite to win the Wooden Award as the best regular-season player, with Bueckers (+900) sitting third in that market.
Contents
Best March Madness Promos
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win* *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Use Bonus Code: LINEUPS Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets PLUS Get a $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Get $250
New customers can grab welcome promotions at multiple books during March Madness, including Tennessee and Illinois residents at the newly debuted bet365 in those states.
Keep an eye out for promotions and boosts as the tournaments progress.
Paige Bueckers March Madness Preview
After a second All-American season in 2023-24, Bueckers averaged fewer points (19) and more assists (4.9) per game this year, leading the nation in offensive rating (134.6) and win shares (10.3) per College Basketball Reference. Bueckers is expected to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in the WNBA draft, with the Los Angeles Sparks slated to draft second when the draft takes place April 14.
Despite the tough draw, UConn is getting the second-shortest odds at some books to win the national title, trailing only No. 1 overall seed South Carolina. UConn is heavily expected (-450 odds) to reach the Elite Eight and is favored to best USC in the regional final, should that matchup occur.
Connecticut opens the tournament against No. 15 Arkansas State as a massive favorite (-44.5 at bet365), with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET Saturday at UConn’s home floor in Storrs, Connecticut. Bet365 is offering a boost to +1500 for UConn to cover along with Alabama (-13.5), Iowa (-9.5), and NC State (-20.5) in the first round.
DraftKings has +115 odds for UConn to make the national championship game, and While UConn is capable of navigating its region, getting past USC and a potential Final Four matchup with No. 1 UCLA, the Huskies could once again fall short to Dawn Staley’s South Carolina program.
The Huskies stunned South Carolina by a score of 87-58 earlier this season, but a rematch on the biggest stage could go a different way. Bueckers and UConn match up well against the more guard-heavy programs on their side of the bracket, and Geno Auriemma is one of the best coaches in the game, one who can work with his seasoned point guard to reach the Final Four.
