USC Sweeps UCLA in Battle of Big Ten Titans, Stakes Claim as Nation’s Best

By Joel Paul
March 4, 2025

LOS ANGELES — The USC Trojans are making a habit of something few teams have been able to do: beating UCLA.

No. 4 USC walked into Pauley Pavilion on March 1 and handed No. 2 UCLA an 80-67 loss—spoiling the Bruins’ senior day and completing a season sweep over their crosstown rival. It was just the second loss of the season for UCLA, and both have come at the hands of the Trojans.

From the opening tip, USC dictated the tempo on both ends of the floor, forcing UCLA into uncomfortable shots and capitalizing on defensive miscues. The Trojans held the Bruins to just 36% shooting from the field and 25% from beyond the arc, while forcing 16 turnovers and converting them into 25 points—a massive difference in a game of this magnitude.

The difference-maker once again? Juju Watkins.

Juju Watkins Takes Over

Watkins, arguably the best player in the country, delivered a 30-point, 5-assist performance, shooting 45.5% from the field (10-of-22) and 36.4% from three (4-of-11). Time and time again, she rose to the occasion, making tough shots and controlling the pace for USC.

She wasn’t alone. Kiki Iriafen dominated inside, finishing with 17 points and 9 rebounds while shooting an efficient 61.5% from the field (8-of-13). While no other USC player scored in double figures, the defense made all the difference.

USC held UCLA’s star players in check, forcing them into inefficient shooting nights.

Kiki Rice led UCLA with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, but she struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 23.1% (3-of-13) and 0-for-3 from downtown. However, she did her damage at the free-throw line, knocking down 10-of-11 (90.9%).

Londynn Jones added 12 points, but she, too, had a tough night shooting 38.5% from the field (5-of-13) and 25% from three (1-of-4). Meanwhile, Lauren Betts recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 45.5% from the field (5-of-11)—a solid effort, but not enough to overcome USC’s defensive intensity.

The Trojans outshot UCLA, hitting 48% from the field and 35% from three, while scoring 14 fast-break points compared to just 6 for the Bruins. This was a complete team win, one that once again put USC in the national spotlight.

The First Meeting: USC Hands No. 1 UCLA Its First Loss

This was not the first time USC imposed its will on UCLA this season.

Back on Feb. 13, UCLA entered the Galen Center undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the country. USC, however, had other plans.

The Trojans handed UCLA its first loss of the season with a commanding 71-60 victory, fueled by a historic performance from Juju Watkins.

Watkins exploded for 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 46.2% from the field (12-of-26) and a scorching 66.7% from three (6-of-9). She also knocked down 8-of-10 free throws (80%).

For UCLA, Lauren Betts led the way with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but she struggled with efficiency, shooting 38.5% from the field (5-of-13). However, she excelled at the free-throw line, hitting 8-of-9 attempts (88.9%).

That game sent shockwaves through the Big Ten, proving that USC wasn’t just a top team—they were a legitimate national championship contender.

USC-UCLA: The Best Rivalry in Women’s Basketball Right Now

Historically, this hasn’t been the biggest rivalry in women’s college basketball—not on the level of UConn-Tennessee, Stanford-Notre Dame, or even South Carolina-LSU. But this year, it’s the one to watch.

These teams have been top-five fixtures all season, dominating the Big Ten and emerging as national title contenders. Now, with both programs officially in their first season in the Big Ten, their battles carry even more weight.

If these two games are any indication, this rivalry is just getting started.

What’s Next? A Third or Even Fourth Matchup?

If you’re a women’s college basketball fan, you’re hoping this wasn’t the last time these teams meet.

With the Big Ten tournament just days away, a third showdown between these two juggernauts is very much in play. And given their dominance all season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them cross paths again in the NCAA tournament—possibly even in the Final Four or national championship game.

Four meetings in one season? Bring it on.

USC’s Statement to the Nation

By sweeping the No. 2 team in the country, UCLA has beaten every team on their schedule except USC twice. At this point, there’s no doubt the Trojans have their number.

With both teams headed toward deep postseason runs, this could just be the start of a rivalry that defines the new era of Big Ten women’s basketball.

And if they meet again? Buckle up.