Indianapolis, IN- For the third time this season, USC and UCLA squared off in a high-stakes showdown, and it delivered from start to finish. The game was a back-and-forth battle of runs, momentum shifts, and standout performances. In a thrilling comeback, UCLA stunned USC 72-67, with Lauren Betts leading the charge to claim their first-ever Big Ten Championship in both teams’ debut appearances in the tournament.
UCLA came out firing, fueled by Londynn Jones, who cashed in an early three, looking to recreate her magic from the night before against Ohio State. Juju Watkins, however, had other plans. The USC star guard flipped the switch, scoring five straight in a blink, shifting the energy as the Trojans found their footing.
Malia Samuels drilled a shot-clock-beating three to keep USC’s momentum rolling, but UCLA’s Timea Gardner answered with back-to-back deep balls to keep it tight. At the end of a blistering first quarter, it was clear—this wasn’t just a rivalry game. It was a war. USC led 24-19, with Watkins making her presence felt early—eight points, three boards, and a steal.
Midway through the second, USC’s defense made its mark. Kiki Rice barreled into the lane but got whistled for a charge, a perfect read by the Trojans’ defense. On the other end, Jones knocked down another triple to keep UCLA within reach, but every Bruins punch was met with a USC counter. Watkins answered right back with a bucket of her own, keeping her squad in control.
Clarice Akunwafo brought the energy with a huge block, igniting the USC bench. Then, in transition, the Trojans put on a passing clinic—Watkins to Kennedy Smith, who kicked it to Avery Howell for a dagger three to push the lead to double digits at the break.
At halftime, USC held a 45-35 advantage, powered by Watkins’ 18 first-half points. She lived at the free-throw line, knocking down 7-of-8, while both squads found their rhythm from deep—USC at 6-for-13 and UCLA a scorching 6-for-9. The key difference? USC’s defense on Lauren Betts, limiting her impact. With adjustments looming, UCLA needed a second-half spark to keep its title hopes alive.
It was Taliavon Oelhoffen who kept USC afloat early, making big plays all over the court, but UCLA had the hot hand in the third quarter. Timea Gardner was sizzling, knocking down shot after shot, and UCLA’s defense locked in on USC’s shooters. Betts hit a clutch mid-range jumper with under three minutes left to cut the USC lead to five, but UCLA’s Kiki Rice answered right back with a smooth score.
As the clock wound down, Betts continued to shine. She converted an and-1 to pull UCLA within striking distance, making it 50-54 with under two minutes remaining. Rice wasn’t backing down either—she drove hard for a tough bucket to keep USC ahead, 52-54.
UCLA flipped the script in the third, outscoring USC 17-9, thanks to Betts’ dominance. The defensive Player of the Year was a force, scoring more points in the quarter than USC’s entire team. Despite the Bruins’ push, USC’s lead was just strong enough to weather the storm—barely.
UCLA tightened up defensively, holding USC to only four made shots in the third while shooting 6-for-9 from the field and getting to the line more. As the final quarter started, UCLA was on fire, using momentum from the third to take an early lead.
This game was all about runs. Both teams fought tooth and nail for the win. With under six minutes left, UCLA went on a massive 23-9 run to snatch the lead, and Betts’ block on Juju with under two minutes sealed the deal.
Juju’s shooting slump in the second half—just 4-for-15—sunk USC, and UCLA capitalized on every mistake. But Watkins wasn’t done yet. She hit back-to-back baskets with just seconds remaining to bring USC within three, 67-70.
UCLA delivered a stunning second-half comeback to take down USC 72-67, securing their first Big Ten Tournament title. After back-to-back losses to their rivals earlier in the season, the Bruins flipped the script when it mattered most. Lauren Betts, Londynn Jones, and Kiki Rice led the charge, making clutch plays down the stretch to seal the win.
“I think just taking advantage of my matchup and honestly doing whatever the team needed me to do in that moment,” Betts said. “I knew that I wasn’t going to get calls, but I think it was the mentality that I had going into the second half—I was going to keep being aggressive.”
That aggressive mindset paid off. UCLA made key adjustments after halftime, outshooting USC 11-for-19 from the field and sinking all 13 of their free throws. Meanwhile, the Trojans struggled to find their rhythm, going just 8-for-36 in the second half.
In the end, UCLA’s poise and execution secured the victory, avenging their losses and making a statement ahead of March Madness. Both teams are headed to the NCAA Tournament, but for UCLA, this one was personal. The Bruins proved they belong at the top—and they’re carrying that confidence into the Big Dance.
