USC’s Stunning Victory Over UCLA: A Night to Remember
In a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the sixth-ranked USC Trojans delivered a stunning upset against their crosstown rivals, the No. 1 UCLA Bruins. The game, held on a vibrant Thursday night in Los Angeles, saw the Trojans triumph with a 71-60 victory, marking a significant moment in their season and handing the Bruins their first loss of the year.
The star of the night was undoubtedly JuJu Watkins, who put on a spectacular performance by scoring 38 points. Her efforts were instrumental in leading USC to this memorable victory. The Trojans, who now boast a record of 22-2 overall and 12-2 in the Big Ten, achieved their first win over a top-ranked team since 1983, a feat that will surely be celebrated by their fans for years to come.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Trojans initially struggling in the third quarter. They were held to just nine points, trailing 52-47 as they entered the final quarter. However, the Trojans rallied with an impressive fourth-quarter performance, outscoring UCLA 24-8. This included a decisive 11-2 run to close out the game, much to the delight of the sold-out crowd at the Galen Center, who were on their feet, roaring with excitement.
Adding to the Trojans’ success was Kiki Iriafen, who contributed 13 points. Her partnership with Watkins was crucial, especially in the fourth quarter where they combined for 17 points, overcoming earlier struggles in the game.
On the other side, the Bruins, who were the nation’s last unbeaten Division I team, faced a tough night. Lauren Betts, the Big Ten’s No. 2 scorer behind Watkins, managed to score 18 points and grab 13 rebounds. Despite her efforts, the Bruins couldn’t maintain their momentum, particularly in the final quarter where they missed their first eight shots and ended up shooting just 1-of-14 from the floor.
The Trojans had initially built a 14-point lead in the second quarter, with Watkins scoring all of their 14 points during that period. However, the Bruins fought back, outscoring USC 17-9 in the third quarter, setting the stage for the dramatic final quarter.
- USC’s first win over a top-ranked team since 1983.
- JuJu Watkins scored 38 points, leading the Trojans to victory.
- USC outscored UCLA 24-8 in the fourth quarter.
- Lauren Betts scored 18 points and had 13 rebounds for UCLA.
- UCLA’s first loss of the season, ending their unbeaten streak.
This game will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the season for the Trojans, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. For the Bruins, it serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with maintaining an unbeaten record and the unpredictability of sports.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
