In a stunning upset, JuJu Watkins propelled No. 9 USC to a 73-65 victory over previously undefeated No. 2 UCLA at the Galen Center. Watkins showcased an impressive performance, contributing 32 points and 10 rebounds, despite facing challenges from beyond the arc. The defeat handed UCLA its first loss of the season, leaving top-ranked South Carolina as the sole undefeated team.
The opening quarter saw both teams struggling offensively, but USC gained an early advantage with a 15-8 run. The Trojans tightened their defense in the second quarter, holding UCLA scoreless for nearly six minutes and establishing a commanding 15-point lead at halftime.
Although the Bruins mounted a comeback in the third quarter and temporarily narrowed the gap to four points with a late 9-0 run in the fourth, USC remained resilient. JuJu Watkins and Taylor Bigby’s crucial plays, including a midrange jumper and a layup, allowed the Trojans to regain control and secure an eight-point triumph.
Charisma Osborne led the Bruins with 25 points, but her 0-of-6 performance from beyond the arc impacted the team’s scoring. UCLA struggled from long range, going 4-of-21 as a team. Gabriela Jaquez and Lauren Betts added 10 points each off the bench. Despite their efforts, UCLA couldn’t overcome USC’s determined defense and offensive prowess.
USC’s McKenzie Forbes contributed 18 points to complement Watkins’ standout performance, while Kayla Padilla added 13 points. The Trojans capitalized on their defensive efforts, forcing 22 turnovers as a team and ending a nine-game losing streak to UCLA in the crosstown rivalry.
With this victory, USC improved to a 13-1 record for the season, avenging their lone loss, which came at the hands of UCLA. The Trojans are set to face Utah and Colorado on the road in the upcoming week, maintaining their momentum in the competitive Pac-12 conference.
As the regular-season clashes between USC and UCLA conclude, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a potential tiebreaker showdown in the final Pac-12 tournament, promising an exciting spectacle in March.
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