UCLA vs. USC: Bruins Win Pac-12 Opener in Thrilling Matchup
In a highly anticipated showdown between two top-10 teams, undefeated UCLA and USC delivered an exciting game in their Pac-12 opener. The game, which took place at Pauley Pavilion, marked the first sellout crowd for a women’s basketball game at the venue. With six ties and 10 lead changes, it was a closely contested battle. Ultimately, the No. 2 Bruins emerged victorious with a 71-64 win, handing their crosstown rivals their first loss of the season.
UCLA has now defeated USC nine times in a row and has an impressive 12-0 record this season. They have also secured victories against four ranked opponents. On the other hand, No. 6 USC has split its two games against top-25 teams but will have more opportunities to strengthen their resume in conference play. The Pac-12 currently boasts five ranked teams, all within the top 12.
Leading the charge for UCLA was sophomore guard Londynn Jones, who contributed 21 points, while 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts added 15 points. USC’s JuJu Watkins had an outstanding performance with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while McKenzie Forbes put up 23 points. With this win, UCLA improves to 13-0, while USC drops to 12-1.
One notable aspect of UCLA’s victory was their depth. The Bruins had four players scoring in double figures, and none of them played more than 33 minutes. Charisma Osborne played a key role early on, scoring five points in the first quarter and playing stellar defense against Watkins. Kiki Rice, who faced foul trouble in the first half, was replaced by Jones, who provided crucial perimeter scoring with three 3-pointers in the second quarter.
In the second half, Rice stepped up and opened the period with a personal 6-0 run, helping UCLA build a lead they would maintain until the end. Betts played a decisive role in the fourth quarter, blocking two shots and grabbing six rebounds to secure the victory.
Despite the loss, JuJu Watkins showcased her talent and potential. The star USC freshman has had an impressive start to her college career, but UCLA’s defense presented her with a significant challenge. Watkins faced tough defenders like Osborne, Rice, Camryn Brown, and received help from Betts and Lina Sontag inside. Despite the defensive pressure, Watkins managed to score 27 points, although she required 24 shot attempts to reach that total.
UCLA’s aggressive play on the perimeter allowed them to outscore USC in various categories such as turnovers, points in the paint, transition points, and second-chance opportunities. However, the Bruins need to be mindful of their fouls. While their back-line defense is strong, they could benefit from being slightly less physical.
Overall, the UCLA vs. USC matchup lived up to its hype, providing an intense and thrilling game for fans. With this win, UCLA solidifies its position as one of the top teams in the country, while USC looks to bounce back and make a statement in upcoming conference games.