The numbers behind JuJu Watkins’ dominance vs. UCLA (0:55)
Take a look at some significant numbers after JuJu Watkins’ dominant performance in No. 6 USC’s win over No. 1 UCLA. (0:55)
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ESPN News Services
Feb 14, 2025, 12:27 AM ET
LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins scored 38 points to lead sixth-ranked USC over No. 1 UCLA 71-60 on Thursday night, handing the crosstown rival Bruins their first loss of the season.
The Trojans rallied with a huge fourth quarter after being held to nine points in the third, after which they trailed 52-47.
Kiki Iriafen added 13 points for the Trojans (22-2, 12-2 Big Ten). It was the program’s first win over a top-ranked team since 1983.
Lauren Betts, the Big Ten’s No. 2 scorer behind Watkins, had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Bruins (23-1, 11-1). They were the nation’s last unbeaten Division I team.
The Trojans opened up a 14-point lead in the second quarter, when Watkins scored all of their 14 points.
After being outdone by the Bruins 17-9 in the third, USC outscored UCLA 24-8 in the fourth, including an 11-2 run to end the game as the sellout crowd at Galen Center was on its feet roaring.
It was an ugly finish for UCLA, which opened the final quarter by missing its first eight shots and finished 1-of-14 from the floor in the period.
Watkins and Iriafen, who struggled most of the game, combined for 17 points in the fourth.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
