#1 UCLA vs #4 Minnesota Expert Picks & Odds (NCAAW)

• UCLA is eyeing its second-straight Elite Eight trip
• Minnesota is in its first Sweet 16 since 2005
• Keep reading for my UCLA vs Minnesota expert picks and odds

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The Big Ten is on full display as the #1 UCLA Bruins face the #4 Minnesota Golden Gophers with a season sweep on their minds. The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, will play host to this Sweet 16 game on Friday, March 27 at 7:30 pm ET. ESPN will broadcast the game.

Continue reading for my UCLA vs Minnesota picks as well as the odds for this all-Big Ten clash. I have provided a statistical profile for both teams, as well as a recap of their matchup from January 14.

UCLA vs Minnesota Expert Picks

• Over 130.5 (-122, FanDuel)

Owners of the best offensive rating in the country, I anticipate UCLA being able to score at will. During the season, UCLA has scored 100 points twice, 90 points eight times, and 80 points a whopping 25 times. At a bare minimum, the Bruins are good to score at least 72 points, a mark they cleared in 32 of 34 games.

Minnesota is not a slouch when it comes to putting the ball in the bucket. Minnesota scored at least 60 points in 26 of 32 games. Given the oddsmakers’ general parameters (UCLA favored by 19, total set at 131), the expected score is 75-56. Minnesota has scored 56 points in all but two games this season, including in its blowout loss to UCLA.

In the first matchup, the teams combined for 134 points, narrowly clearing this over in UCLA’s 76-58 victory. Four women scored at least 15 points on that night. Outside of a nine-point first quarter for Minnesota, scoring was fairly healthy for both sides in each quarter.

• UCLA -18.5 (-110, DraftKings)

After a pair of close conference tournament games, UCLA has regained its status as a buzzsaw in its last three games. First, the Bruins dismantled Iowa by 51 in the Big Ten Title Game. In March Madness, UCLA has won by 53 points and 19 points, respectively. Out of 34 games this season, UCLA has won 24 of them by at least 19 points. Notably, this does not include UCLA’s win over Minnesota, just an 18-point win.

Minnesota did not lose a game by 19 or more points all season, with the Golden Gophers’ largest loss coming at the hands of UCLA. Minnesota did have a quartet of double-digit losses in Big Ten play, losing to Michigan, UCLA, Washington, and Michigan State.

I am backing the Bruins to deliver Minnesota’s largest loss of the season.

UCLA vs Minnesota Odds

UCLA is a massive favorite to advance in Sacramento. UCLA bettors should take the Bruins at 96¢ at Kalshi, which is equal to a -2400 moneyline price at other books. Without Kalshi, the odds spike to -5000 across various books. Against the spread, UCLA bettors can find -18.5 at DraftKings for -110 odds.

On the Minnesota side, bettors can take the Caesars moneyline of +1550 or the Kalshi price of 55¢ on a +19.5 ATS wager, equivalent to -122 odds. Without Kalshi, many books have the line at +18.5.

The total is set between 130.5 and 131.5 points. Over bettors should take over 130.5 at FanDuel (-122 odds). Under bettors should take under 131.5 at DraftKings (-110 odds).

UCLA vs Minnesota: Statistical Profiles

UCLA vs Minnesota: 1st Matchup

On January 14, then-No. 3 UCLA visited Minnesota and largely dominated. Minnesota jumped out to a 5-0 lead, but UCLA cruised the rest of the way. There was only one lead change as UCLA moved to 16-1 on the season. The Bruins won 76-58.

Three Bruins finished in double figures, with Kiki Rice pouring in 25 points on just nine shots. Lauren Betts had a 17-point, 10-rebound performance, and Gabriela Jaquez scored 12 points.

The Golden Gophers scuffled from the field, hitting just 40% of their shots and 24% of their threes. Grace Grocholski played all 40 minutes, but she shot 4-for-17 from the field and 1-for-7 from three. Mara Braun (15 points) and Amaya Battle (16 points) led the way for Minnesota.