In a thrilling showdown on Thursday night, the No. 6 USC Trojans handed the No. 1 UCLA Bruins their first loss of the season, securing a 71-60 victory at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins delivered an extraordinary performance, recording 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocked shots, and five assists.
USC established an early lead, going up by 14 points in the first half. However, UCLA responded with a 14-1 run, tying the game in the second quarter. The Bruins briefly took a seven-point lead in the third quarter, but the Trojans rallied, closing the game on a 16-4 run to secure the win.
This victory marks USC’s first win over a top-ranked team since defeating Louisiana Tech in the 1983 national championship game. The Trojans now lead the Big Ten standings with a 12-1 conference record, while the Bruins fall to 11-1.
Watkins’ performance was nothing short of historic. She not only led all scorers but also contributed significantly on defense with eight blocks. Her leadership and versatility were pivotal in USC’s triumph over their crosstown rivals.
Looking ahead, the Trojans aim to maintain their momentum as they approach the postseason, with aspirations of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
