USC stuns UCLA again to claim Big Ten Title.
Los Angeles ,CA - In a thrilling matchup on March 1, 2025, the No. 4-ranked USC Trojans secured an 80-67 victory over the No. 2 UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion, clinching the Big Ten regular-season title.
USC’s standout freshman, JuJu Watkins, delivered an exceptional performance, leading all scorers with 30 points. She also contributed three rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three blocks, underscoring her versatility and dominance on the court.
The Trojans established their presence early, embarking on a 9-0 run to start the game. Despite UCLA’s efforts to close the gap, USC maintained a lead throughout the contest. By halftime, the Trojans held a 46-32 advantage.
Kiki Iriafen emerged as a pivotal contributor for USC, particularly in the second half. After facing early foul trouble, Iriafen scored 15 of her 17 points in the latter half, showcasing resilience and skill. She also grabbed nine rebounds, providing a strong interior presence for the Trojans.
UCLA’s Kiki Rice led her team with 16 points, adding six assists and four rebounds. However, the Bruins struggled with turnovers, committing 16 compared to USC’s 12. The Trojans capitalized on these mistakes, converting them into 25 points.
This victory not only marked USC’s first regular-season conference title since 1994 but also solidified their dominance in the Big Ten during their inaugural year in the conference. The Trojans’ ability to perform under pressure and secure wins against top-tier opponents positions them as strong contenders for the upcoming NCAA tournament.
