What You Need to Know Before UCLA vs Tennessee

UCLA is looking takedown No. 15 Tennessee, potentially without star Lauren Betts.

After losing a heartbreaker to No. 4 Texas, UCLA was able to bounce back with a 30-point win over Duke. Betts did not play in this one; however, the Bruins still showed out massively, giving fans hope for the Tennessee showdown.

Numbers You Need to Know

Cori CLos — Apr 3, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close during press conference at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

UCLA heading into this game is averaging 81.4 points/game, 44.6 rebounds/game, 20.4 assists/game, 6.5 steals/game, and 4.5 blocks/ game. The Bruins' Achilles heel this season has been their turnover issues, averaging 13.1 turnovers/game.

The Bruins have shot well this season, shooting 49.9% from the field, while also shooting 35.8% from three. Against Duke, the Bruins shot 53% FG, while shooting a very impressive 59% from three.

Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) reacts during second quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

On the other side, Tennessee is averaging a very similar 81.2 points/game. The Lady Volunteers have also averaged 45.8 rebounds/game, 14.3 assists/game, a great 14.7 steals/game, and 15.7 turnovers/game. They have also shot 41.9% from the field and 28.4% from three.

Keys to The Game

Something that sticks out from Tennessee's averages is its steals. The Bruins' biggest downfall against Texas was their 20 turnovers. The most glaring key in this game is easily the turnovers, with UCLA averaging 13.1/game while Tennessee averaging 15.7/game.

While UCLA averages fewer turnovers per game, Tennessee makes up for it with 14.7 steals per game—an area where the Bruins have struggled to keep pace.

Rebounding could also be a deciding factor in this matchup. Tennessee averages 1.2 more rebounds per game, and the Bruins may be without their top rebounder in Lauren Betts, which only widens that gap. If UCLA can figure out equalize, the Bruins could be in real shape to win this game.

The Bruins also need to figure out how to slow down Talaysia Cooper, who has been on a role this season, averaging 16.2 points/game as well as 7.7 rebounds/game. More than likely, Kiki Rice will be on Cooper, which will most likely be the decider in this matchup.

Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) dribbles against Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) during first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

If UCLA is without Betts, the Bruins’ playmakers will need to step up and deliver a massive performance. Angela Dugalić would slide into Betts’ role, and she’ll need to have a strong night rebounding to give UCLA any edge in this matchup.

Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close reacts during first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

If the Bruins can pull off a win here, it will show the rest of the country that they don’t have to rely solely on Betts in Top-25 matchups.

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