No. 6 USC upsets No. 1 UCLA, earns massive win in rivalry game

No. 6 USC (22-2, 11-1 Big Ten) defeated No. 1 UCLA (23-1, 11-1 Big Ten) 71-60 at home on Thursday night, handing the Bruins their first loss of the season during the blockbuster matchup in LA.

In what was one of the most electric atmospheres of the season, Trojans star JuJu Watkins scored 38 points to go with 11 rebounds, a career-high eights blocks and five assists to help lead her team to victory.

The game was tied at 55 with 4:42 left in the fourth quarter before USC took over. The Trojans went on a 13-1 run over the last four minutes to put the final stamp on the game. UCLA went 1-7 from the floor during that stretch, with their only point coming on their final possession.

“It took everything,” Watkins said postgame. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks for me and to be able to snap back into it and get into my rhythm here in Galen [Center] vs. UCLA, it’s really all I could ask for. I have the greatest teammates, and I’m glad we were able to get the win tonight.”

Aside from Watkins, USC forward Kiki Iriafen was the only other Trojan to score in double figures. She logged 13 points and nine assists.

For the rivalry aspect, the Trojans appear to have the upper-hand on the Bruins as of late. USC has now won the last three matchups dating back to last season, including a win over UCLA in last season’s Pac-12 Tournament.

Of course, Thursday’s matchup is the type of environment someone with the starpower of Watkins laps up.

“It’s already an opportunity to play a rival school, and then play them as the No. 1 team, it was really important,” Watkins said. “To be able to lock in and have fun out there tonight — I’m great right now.”

Thursday’s final score marked the first time the Trojans had defeated a No. 1 overall team since they defeated Louisiana Tech in the 1983 National Championship game.

As big of a game as Thursday’s matchup was — these two programs are still scheduled to meet one more time before the end of the regular season. They’ll make the trip to Pauley Pavilion on March 1 in the regular season finale.

For now, USC moves on to face unranked Washington on the road on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. PT and will air live on the Big Ten Network.

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