On Thursday night, the matchup between No. 6 USC and No. 1 UCLA lived up to the hype.
The Trojans pulled off the upset, defeating the unbeaten Bruins, 71-60. This is their first win over an AP-ranked No. 1 team since 1983, when USC defeated Louisiana Tech in the national championship game.
For the Trojans, everything started and ended with JuJu Watkins. Across her two years in college, this game may be her best moment so far. Watkins had 38 points, 11 rebounds, knocked down six 3-pointers and had a whopping eight blocks. The only other player in double figures for USC was Kiki Iriafen, who scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
JUJU WATKINS TONIGHT
• 38 POINTS
• 11 REBOUNDS
• 8 BLOCKS
• 5 ASSISTS
• 6/9 3PM
• 12/26 FGUSC DEFEATS UNDEFEATED UCLA
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) February 14, 2025
In this first defeat for UCLA, Lauren Betts struggled from the field, shooting 5-for-13, but still managed to score 18 points and grab 13 rebounds. Kiki Rice had a solid game as well, with 15 points.
How JuJu and the Trojans took down the Bruins
The game began with Talia von Oelhoffen hitting a 3-pointer for the Trojans. Betts scored two free throws and after a Gabriela Jaquez layup, the Bruins were up 4-3.
Then…
