What a time to be a Trojan fan! In a thrilling and historic battle at Pauley Pavilion, the No. 4 USC Women’s Basketball team toppled their bitter rivals, No. 2 UCLA, with an 80-67 victory that secured the Big Ten regular-season title — their first conference championship since 1994. And they did it in style, never once trailing in the game.
JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen were the dynamic duo that carried USC to glory, combining for a jaw-dropping 47 points. Watkins, ever the scoring machine, delivered a sensational 30 points, including a red-hot 23 in the first half, while Iriafen showed her toughness with 17 points and 9 rebounds, 15 of which came in the second half. The Trojans stormed out to an impressive 46-32 halftime lead, setting the stage for a dominant second half. Even past stars were in the stands to take it all in and rooting on their schools.
Hot Start, Hotter Finish
It didn’t take long for the Trojans to announce their presence. JuJu Watkins opened the game with a smooth 3-pointer, leading USC to a 9-0 start. From there, it was a back-and-forth affair as UCLA tried to claw their way back into the game. But USC wasn’t having it. Watkins drained two more 3-pointers to push the lead to 21-12, and a four-point play by Talia von Oelhoffen had the Trojans up 13-2 early. Despite the Bruins making a late push in the first quarter, USC maintained control, ending the first 10 minutes with a 23-20 lead.
The second quarter was all about USC’s relentless attack. While UCLA worked hard to hang around, USC answered every challenge. The Trojans’ shooting efficiency was off the charts, shooting 47.4% from the floor compared to UCLA’s 36.7%. Watkins added a 3-point play late in the half, and a smooth 3-pointer just before the buzzer gave USC a 46-32 advantage at the break.
The Trojan Wall Stands Tall
In the second half, UCLA mounted a comeback effort, trimming the lead to just 55-51 in the third quarter. But USC’s resolve was unshakable. Watkins and Iriafen were simply too much to handle. A big 9-0 run fueled by both players pushed the lead back to 64-51 heading into the fourth, and the Trojans didn’t look back.
The final quarter saw USC put the game away, as Iriafen hit a jumper and freshman Avery Howell knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Trojans a commanding 20-point lead. Although UCLA fought hard in the closing minutes, it was clear the game was already in USC’s hands.
Record-Breaking and History-Making
This win was not just another victory—it was a statement. For USC, it marked the first-ever Big Ten regular-season title, capping off a season that has seen the Trojans rewrite history. Their 26-2 record is their best start since the 1982-83 season, and with this win, USC has now won eight straight games against AP-ranked opponents.
Let’s not forget Watkins’ incredible achievement: her 30-point performance against UCLA was her 20th career 30-point game, a feat only the great Cheryl Miller has surpassed in USC history. Watkins also became the sixth player in program history to score 684 points in a single season, solidifying her legacy as one of USC’s all-time greats.
What’s Next for the Trojans?
With the Big Ten regular-season title in their grasp, the Trojans are now primed for the Big Ten Tournament, where they will enter as the No. 1 seed. They’ll open the tournament with a quarterfinal matchup on March 7 in Indianapolis, looking to add more hardware to their trophy case.
Final Thoughts
This win was about more than just the trophy. It was about proving the heart of a Trojan, showing resilience when faced with adversity, and making history in front of a rowdy, packed Pauley Pavilion. USC has officially announced itself as a powerhouse in women’s basketball, and with JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen leading the charge, the Trojans are ready for whatever comes next.
Congratulations, USC Women’s Basketball. You’ve made history, and the whole world is watching!
