In a clash of the nation’s best, No. 1 (23-0) ranked UCLA suffered its first of the season loss at the hands of crosstown rival No. 6 (21-2) ranked USC. The Trojans secured a 71-60 win behind an all-time performance from JuJu Watkins, while the Bruins struggled to find their rhythm offensively against relentless defensive pressure and an electric Galen Center.
UCLA entered the game undefeated, boasting one of the country’s most efficient offenses. However, from the opening tip, it was clear USC wasn’t backing down. The Trojans stormed ahead early, jumping to a 24-15 lead after the first quarter, marking the first time the Bruins had trailed by more than five points all season at the end of a period. Watkins dominated from the start, outscoring the Bruins on her own by the 32-18 mark in the second quarter, pouring in 19 of her 25 first-half points.
USC’s defensive strategy was clear: double-team UCLA’s star center, Lauren Betts (who finished the game with 18 points and 13 rebounds), denying her low-post touches. Despite falling behind by double digits early, UCLA clawed back behind Betts and Kiki Rice (who finished with 15 points and six assists). The Bruins closed the half on a 14-4 run, cutting the deficit to 38-35 at the break. UCLA came out firing in the third quarter. At one point, the Bruins were on a 10-0 run with USC’s offense struggling outside Watkins. Janiah Barker, who added 10 points off the bench before fouling out, hit a big jumper to extend the lead to 49-43. The Trojans managed just nine points in the quarter as UCLA led 52-47 heading into the fourth quarter.
Then, Watkins took over – again. With no other Trojan making a field goal since the first quarter, she single-handedly carried USC’s offense while locking down on defense. She opened the fourth with back-to-back layups (one being an and-one), giving USC a 53-52 lead. Despite a valiant effort, UCLA’s offense struggled to generate looks down the stretch. The Trojans smothered Betts in the post, forcing UCLA into 20 turnovers. With two minutes left, the Trojans went on a decisive 12-1 run, sealing the Bruins’ fate and USC’s first win over a No. 1-ranked opponent since 1983. Watkins sealed the victory with a jaw-dropping stat line: 38 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and a staggering eight blocks. The next leading scorer for the Trojans was Kiki Iriafen, who finished the night with 13 points on 4-14 shooting.
Despite the tough loss, UCLA still holds the top spot in the Big Ten standings and remains a top contender for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Both teams return to action on Sunday, February 16, with UCLA set to face No. 22 Michigan State while USC faces Washington. UCLA will get its shot at redemption when USC visits Pauley Pavilion for the regular-season finale on March 1.
—
Featured Image by Aiden Sun/Daily Bruin
