The crosstown rivals got here into the sold-out sport at Pauley Pavilion tied for first. The Trojans (26-2, 17-1 Massive Ten) accomplished a season sweep of the Bruins (27-2, 16-2), whose solely losses got here in opposition to USC, together with a 71-60 defeat at Galen Middle two weeks in the past.
This time, Watkins scored 23 factors within the first half. She ran off six straight to ship USC into halftime forward 46-32. Watkins assisted on back-to-back 3-pointers within the fourth that prolonged USC’s result in 19.
Kiki Iriafen had 17 factors and 9 rebounds for USC.
Kiki Rice led the Bruins with 16 factors. Lauren Betts was held to 11 factors and 11 rebounds.
Singer John Legend, comic Leslie Jones and brother-and-sister Corridor of Famers Reggie Miller and Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale have been among the many crowd.
Takeaways
USC: The Trojans stayed poised in a loud and hostile surroundings when the Bruins closed inside 4 within the third quarter. They scored 9 straight to enter the fourth main by 13.
UCLA: The NCAA choice committee made the Bruins the general prime seed for the NCAA Match in an early preview, however two losses to the Trojans would possibly change that.
Key second
The Bruins missed their first eight photographs and had two turnovers to start out a sport wherein they by no means led.
Key stat
USC’s protection compelled 16 UCLA turnovers which led to 25 factors for the Trojans.
Up subsequent
Each groups get a double-bye within the Massive Ten Match and can play their first video games Friday in Indianapolis.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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