The UCLA women's basketball team made the Final Four last season, but the arrival of Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens transformed the Bruins.
Kiki Rice finishes with 21 points and Lauren Betts scores 16 points as UCLA overcomes a shaky first half to defeat Minnesota 80-56 and reach the Elite Eight.
UCLA has not delivered victories as lopsided as other No. 1 NCAA tournament seeds, but the Bruins are confident they can meet the next challenge and beat Minnesota.
UCLA star Lauren Betts, who has shared her depression battle with the hope of helping others, played her best during her final game at Pauley Pavilion.
The new WNBA CBA includes 12 guaranteed roster spots and two developmental player positions that should make it easier for more rookies to stick with teams.
With leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau out again because of injury, No. 7 UCLA fades in a 73-57 loss to No. 2 UConn in the second round of the NCAA tournament.