The Thrilling Rivalry: USC Triumphs Over UCLA
In a fiercely contested matchup that brought the city of Los Angeles to its feet, No. 4 Southern California (USC) emerged victorious over second-ranked UCLA with a decisive 80-67 win on Saturday night. The game, held at the packed Pauley Pavilion, was more than just a battle between crosstown rivals; it marked USC’s first Big Ten regular-season title in its inaugural season in the conference. The Trojans (26-2, 17-1 Big Ten) completed a season sweep of the Bruins (27-2, 16-2), who had only lost twice this season—both times to USC, including a 71-60 loss at the Galen Center just two weeks prior.
JuJu Watkins: The Star of the Show
JuJu Watkins was the undeniable star of the night, scoring a game-high 30 points and demonstrating her dominance on the court. Watkins was particularly unstoppable in the first half, tallying 23 points and leading the Trojans to a 46-32 advantage at the intermission. Her scoring run included a series of six consecutive points, which propelled USC to a comfortable lead. In the fourth quarter, Watkins continued to dictate the pace, assisting on back-to-back 3-pointers that extended the Trojans’ lead to 19 points, effectively sealing the game. Her performance was a testament to her skill and the team’s overall cohesion.
Key Contributions and Defensive Mastery
While Watkins stole the show, she was not alone in her efforts. Kiki Iriafen contributed 17 points and nine rebounds, providing crucial support on both ends of the court. Her presence in the paint was a significant factor in USC’s defensive success. The Trojans’ defense was a standout aspect of the game, forcing 16 turnovers from UCLA, which translated into 25 points for the Trojans. This relentless pressure ensured that any Bruins’ comeback attempts were stifled before they could gain momentum.
UCLA’s Struggles and Key Players
Despite their best efforts, the Bruins struggled to find their rhythm. Kiki Rice led UCLA with 16 points, but the team’s usual scoring threats were contained. Lauren Betts, a key player for UCLA, was held to just 11 points and 11 rebounds, significantly below her season average. The Bruins’ early struggles were particularly telling, as they missed their first eight shots and committed two turnovers, setting the tone for their challenging night. These early missteps made it difficult for UCLA to mount a comeback, especially against a composed and focused USC team.
A Night of Celebrations and Celebrities
The atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion was electric, with a who’s who of celebrities adding to the excitement. Among the notable attendees were singer John Legend, comedian Leslie Jones, and brother-and-sister Hall of Famers Reggie Miller and Cheryl Miller. Ann Meyers Drysdale, another basketball legend, was also in the crowd, lending her support to the teams. The presence of these high-profile figures underscored the significance of the game and the intense local rivalry between USC and UCLA.
Key Moments and Future Prospects
The game’s key moment came early, as UCLA struggled to find their shooting touch and committed turnovers. This early deficit proved costly, as USC capitalized on their mistakes and never allowed the Bruins to fully recover. Despite a third-quarter surge that saw the Bruins close within four points, the Trojans remained composed and scored nine straight to re-establish their lead and maintain control going into the fourth quarter. The Trojans’ ability to stay focused and execute under pressure was a defining factor in their victory.
Looking Ahead: The Big Ten Tournament
Both teams will now turn their attention to the Big Ten Tournament, where they have earned double-byes and will play their first games on Friday in Indianapolis. The tournament will be a test of their resilience and a chance to build on their regular-season success. For USC, clinching the regular-season title in their debut year is a remarkable achievement and a testament to their dedication and skill. For UCLA, the two losses to USC will be a motivating factor as they look to make a strong run in the tournament and maintain their position as a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The rivalry between these two powerhouse programs is far from over, and fans can expect more thrilling matchups in the future.
