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In a thrilling display of athleticism and strategy, the No. 4-ranked University of Southern California (USC) women's basketball team defeated the No. 2-ranked University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins, 80-67, on March 1, 2025. This victory not only secured USC's first Big Ten regular-season title but also underscored their dominance in the conference.
Game Overview
The matchup at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion was highly anticipated, with both teams entering the game with impressive records. USC (26-2, 17-1 Big Ten) showcased their prowess early, establishing a lead they maintained throughout the game. UCLA (27-2, 16-2 Big Ten) faced challenges in overcoming USC's relentless offense and defense.
First Half Dominance
USC set the tone from the outset, initiating the game with a 9-0 run. Sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins was instrumental in this surge, displaying her shooting accuracy and court vision. Watkins amassed 23 points in the first half alone, including four three-pointers, propelling the Trojans to a 46-32 halftime lead.
UCLA's Struggle to Respond
The Bruins endeavored to counter USC's momentum but faced difficulties in executing their game plan. Junior guard Kiki Rice led UCLA with 16 points, while center Lauren Betts secured a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Despite these individual efforts, the Bruins were hampered by turnovers and struggled to find a cohesive rhythm.
USC's Balanced Attack
Beyond Watkins' stellar performance, USC benefited from significant contributions across their roster. Graduate student Kiki Iriafen, despite early foul trouble, delivered a strong second half, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds. Forward Rayah Marshall added six points, six rebounds, and five assists, showcasing her versatility on both ends of the court.
Key Statistical Highlights
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Shooting Efficiency: USC demonstrated superior shooting, with a field goal percentage of 48.5% compared to UCLA's 36.1%.
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Three-Point Shooting: The Trojans connected on 34.8% of their three-point attempts, while the Bruins managed 25%.
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Turnovers: UCLA's 16 turnovers were costly, leading to 25 points for USC. In contrast, the Trojans committed 12 turnovers, resulting in only eight points for the Bruins.
Coaching Strategies
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb's game plan effectively neutralized UCLA's strengths. The Trojans' defense applied consistent pressure, disrupting the Bruins' offensive flow. Offensively, USC capitalized on fast-break opportunities and showcased excellent ball movement, leading to high-percentage shots.
Post-Game Reflections
Coach Gottlieb praised her team's collective effort, highlighting the contributions from both starters and bench players. She emphasized the team's growth and cohesion throughout the season, attributing their success to relentless preparation and resilience.
UCLA's head coach, Cori Close, acknowledged the challenges posed by USC's defense and the impact of turnovers on the game's outcome. She expressed confidence in her team's ability to learn from this experience and emphasized the importance of regrouping for the upcoming Big Ten tournament.
Implications for the Big Ten Tournament
With this victory, USC clinched the top seed in the Big Ten tournament, setting the stage for a favorable path in the postseason. Their performance against a top-tier opponent like UCLA reinforces their status as a formidable contender for the conference title and a potential deep run in the NCAA tournament.
JuJu Watkins: A Star Ascending
JuJu Watkins' exceptional performance further solidified her candidacy for National Player of the Year. Her ability to deliver in high-stakes games, coupled with her consistent offensive production, has been instrumental in USC's success this season. Watkins' leadership on the court and her knack for elevating her game against top opponents make her a pivotal asset for the Trojans.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will now shift their focus to the Big Ten tournament. USC aims to maintain their momentum and secure the conference championship, while UCLA will seek to rebound and address the areas that led to their defeat. The tournament promises to be highly competitive, with both teams poised to make significant impacts.
Conclusion
The USC Trojans' victory over the UCLA Bruins was a testament to their strategic execution, individual brilliance, and cohesive team play. As they celebrate their Big Ten regular-season title, the Trojans have set a high standard for excellence and have positioned themselves as a team to watch in the forthcoming postseason.
_HYPE INTRO Staff