JuJu Watkins scored 30 points, leading No. 4 Southern California to an impressive 80-67 victory over second-ranked UCLA on Saturday night. This win marked the program’s first Big Ten regular-season title in its inaugural season within the league.
In a highly anticipated matchup at the sold-out Pauley Pavilion, both teams entered the game tied for first place. The Trojans, boasting a record of 26-2 and 17-1 in the Big Ten, completed a season sweep over the Bruins, who now sit at 27-2 with a 16-2 conference record. Notably, both of UCLA’s losses this season have come at the hands of USC, including a previous defeat of 71-60 at Galen Center just two weeks prior.
Watkins showcased her scoring prowess, netting 23 points in the first half alone. She ignited a scoring run, contributing six consecutive points to propel USC to a 46-32 halftime lead. In the fourth quarter, her assists on two back-to-back three-pointers further widened the gap, pushing USC’s lead to 19 points.
Kiki Iriafen also made a significant impact, finishing the game with 17 points and nine rebounds for USC.
On the other side, Kiki Rice led the Bruins with 16 points, while Lauren Betts managed to secure 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The star-studded audience included singer John Legend, comedian Leslie Jones, and basketball legends Reggie and Cheryl Miller, along with Ann Meyers Drysdale, adding to the electric atmosphere of the night.
Key Takeaways
USC: The Trojans maintained their composure amidst a raucous crowd when the Bruins narrowed the margin to four points in the third quarter. They responded by scoring nine consecutive points, entering the final quarter with a commanding 13-point lead.
UCLA: Despite being designated as the overall top seed for the NCAA Tournament by the selection committee, the Bruins may need to reassess their position after suffering two losses to their crosstown rivals.
Turning Point
The Bruins faced a challenging start, missing their first eight shots and committing two turnovers, which set the tone for a game they never led.
Notable Statistic
USC’s defensive strategy proved effective, forcing UCLA into 16 turnovers that resulted in 25 points for the Trojans.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will benefit from a double-bye in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, with their first games scheduled for Friday in Indianapolis.
