In a thrilling and dramatic finish, UCLA’s women’s basketball team outlasted USC 72-67 to secure the Big Ten Tournament title, marking a monumental achievement in their inaugural season in the conference. The highly anticipated matchup, which was the third of the season between the two teams, featured an intense second-half defensive stand by the Bruins, who limited USC’s star guard JuJu Watkins to just three field goals after halftime.
UCLA’s Defensive Masterclass and Lauren Betts’ Big Performance
The championship clash at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was a high-stakes game, and the UCLA Bruins proved to be the more resilient team when it mattered most. USC, riding a nine-game winning streak, had dominated the first half with multiple runs, including a decisive 9-0 spurt to close out the second quarter. By the start of the third quarter, the Trojans had extended their lead to 48-35, and it seemed like UCLA might not have the firepower to come back.
However, a pivotal change came in the second half, especially with UCLA’s defense turning the tide. The Bruins locked down USC, holding the Trojans to just three field goals in the entire third quarter and forcing multiple turnovers. Watkins, who had been a scoring machine throughout the season, was stifled by the Bruins’ defense. After scoring a jumper with 4:21 left in the third quarter, Watkins was unable to score again until she hit a pair of free throws with just over three minutes remaining in the game.
The real standout for UCLA was sophomore center Lauren Betts, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Betts controlled the paint both offensively and defensively, scoring a team-high 17 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting. Her presence in the paint was critical for UCLA, especially as they fought back from a double-digit deficit.
“I know the amount of work that went into it and this team means everything to me,” Betts shared after the win. “The confidence that this team has from winning that game going into March Madness is a lot.”
USC’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
USC’s loss, while disappointing, was not without its moments of promise. The Trojans had been playing great basketball coming into the game, but missed shots in key moments proved costly. They struggled from the field, especially in the second half, where they shot just 22.2% from the floor. This shooting slump allowed UCLA to chip away at the lead and take control.
Trojans guard Talia von Oelhoffen reflected on the team’s struggles, acknowledging that the team’s usual shooting prowess had let them down. “We missed shots that we usually hit, and it felt like every time we missed an open look, they came down and capitalized on it. So, I think we just need to be better navigating the shooting struggles,” von Oelhoffen said.
Despite the setback, USC still believes that their goals are within reach as they look ahead to the NCAA tournament. With players like Watkins and von Oelhoffen, the Trojans are still considered a formidable team, but they will need to bounce back from the loss and fix their shooting issues to remain competitive on the national stage.
A Historic Rivalry and Future Matchups
This Big Ten Tournament championship was the first-ever meeting between USC and UCLA in this conference, and it delivered the type of drama fans had hoped for. After a pair of regular-season matchups, both teams have now developed a deep mutual respect. The rivalry has taken on new meaning, and the possibility of a fourth meeting—this time in the NCAA Tournament—remains on the table. Both teams are still very much in the hunt for No. 1 seeds, and the prospect of another meeting, potentially with even higher stakes, looms large.
“I thought whoever won this game should be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament,” said USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb. With the NCAA tournament now on the horizon, the rivalry between these two teams is only set to intensify.
UCLA head coach Cori Close echoed that sentiment, noting the respect both teams share. “We were No. 1 in the country for 13 weeks. [USC] has really shown the steadiness and the quality of their wins. They’re an excellent team. They’re a championship-caliber team,” Close said. “I think it would mean a lot for us both to be No. 1 seeds. I think you have to prove yourself. Your play has to back that up. And I hope we do get the chance to do it in Tampa [in the Final Four] a fourth time.”
UCLA’s Future in the NCAA Tournament
For UCLA, this victory is a major confidence booster as they head into March Madness. The win solidifies their place as one of the top teams in the country and gives them momentum going into the NCAA tournament. Betts’ strong performance and the team’s defensive prowess are sure to make them a tough opponent for anyone.
As the NCAA tournament begins, UCLA will be a force to be reckoned with, especially if they can continue to play defense at the level they showed in their championship game against USC. With a potent offense and a lockdown defense, UCLA has the tools to make a deep run in the tournament.