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2mo ago

USC Upsets Top-Ranked UCLA in Rivalry Showdown

JuJu Watkins leads USC to a historic victory over undefeated UCLA with a dominant 38-point performance.

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) keeps the ball from UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom.
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Kiki Iriafen (44) is USC's second-leading scorer this season.
JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans drives past Christeen Iwuala #22 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a semifinal game of the Pac-12 Conference women's basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Overview

  • USC's JuJu Watkins scored 38 points and recorded eight blocks, ending UCLA's undefeated season with a 71-60 victory at the Galen Center.
  • This marks USC's first win over a No. 1-ranked team since the 1983 national championship game against Louisiana Tech.
  • UCLA star Lauren Betts contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds but was held to 5-of-13 shooting as USC's defense stepped up late in the game.
  • The game, considered a potential preview of a Final Four matchup, showcased the rivalry's intensity and national significance in women's college basketball.
  • The Trojans now sit at 22-2 overall and 12-1 in Big Ten play, while UCLA drops to 23-1 and 11-1 in conference standings.