The top-ranked UCLA Bruins’ unbeaten streak came to an end on Thursday as they fell to the No. 6 USC Trojans 71-60. Junior forward JuJu Watkins led the way for USC, scoring a season-high 38 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and adding eight blocks in an instant-classic performance.
USC’s stout defense was instrumental in the victory, forcing 20 turnovers from UCLA and holding them to just 35.1% shooting from the field. Lauren Betts’ 18 points were not enough to overcome the Trojans’ strong team effort.
Watkins’ impressive performance has put her firmly back in contention for Player of the Year honors, and USC’s win is a significant upset in Bracketology. Despite the loss, UCLA remains the top overall seed, while USC stays just shy of being a No. 1 seed due to their résumés.
The Trojans will look to repeat against UCLA again on March 1, and this thrilling matchup has already generated plenty of anticipation.
Source: https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/43834591/ucla-usc-womens-ncaa-basketball-showdown-big-ten-live-updates-scores-highlights