JuJu Watkins’ Injury Shakes Up NCAA Women’s Tournament Odds

• JuJu Watkins’ injury caused USC’s odds to plummet, shifting the betting market toward UConn (+150) and South Carolina (+165).
• UCLA, led by standout center Lauren Betts, offers strong value at +650 with a balanced offense and elite defense.

LOS ANGELES – The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament took a dramatic turn with JuJu Watkins’ devastating knee injury, sending shockwaves through the betting market.

USC, once a legitimate contender at +650 before the tournament, has plummeted to +2500 after losing their star, whose scoring and playmaking had been the backbone of the Trojans’ success. With Watkins out, legal sports betting sites have adjusted accordingly, but savvy bettors should look beyond the two favorites—UConn (+150) and South Carolina (+165)—and focus on a team with real value: UCLA at +650.

Why To Bet UCLA Women’s Basketball

The Bruins have everything needed for a deep tournament run, and Lauren Betts is the biggest reason why. The 6-foot-7 junior center has elevated her game when it matters most, dominating inside while creating opportunities for teammates.

In UCLA’s second-round victory over Richmond, she delivered a historic 30-point, 14-rebound performance, becoming the first Bruin to achieve a 30-10 game in the NCAA Tournament. With her ability to score efficiently in the paint, control the boards, and defend at an elite level, Betts is a true game-changer.

Beyond the stats, Betts’ presence forces defenses to collapse, opening up UCLA’s perimeter shooters and giving them one of the most balanced offenses in the tournament. She’s also been a force defensively, shutting down opponents inside and altering shots at an elite rate.

While UConn and South Carolina remain the March Madness betting favorites, the payout at +150 for UConn simply isn’t worth the risk. UCLA, with Betts leading the charge, offers the best combination of talent, momentum, and betting value at +650.

The reason for the longer women’s college basketball odds is simple – they (potentially) will play UCONN in the Final Four. But, if you’re looking for a futures bet that maximizes potential return, backing the Bruins is the smartest play on the board.

News tags: College Basketball | JuJu Watkins | Lauren Betts | March Madness | Paige Bueckers | South Carolina Gamecocks | UCLA Bruins | UConn Huskies | USC Trojans | women’s college basketball