USC Vs UCLA Clash: Watkins 30-Point Performance Seals Big Ten Crown

LOS ANGELES – The rivalry was fierce, the stakes were high, and the moment belonged to JuJu Watkins. In the much-anticipated USC vs UCLA showdown, the USC sophomore superstar walked off the court at Pauley Pavilion with a grin, soaking in the moment after dropping 30 points and leading No. 4 USC to an 80-67 win over No. 2 UCLA. With the victory, the Trojans clinched their first Big Ten regular-season title and their first conference championship since 1994.

UCLA’s student section tried to rattle Watkins with relentless chants of “Air ball!” after she missed a three-pointer in the third quarter. But instead of letting it get to her, she just smiled. By then, she had already poured in 25 points, and USC was in control.

“That actually fired me up,” Watkins admitted, laughing. “Playing against UCLA always gives me extra motivation.”

Owning the Rivalry: USC Sweeps UCLA

This wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. USC beat UCLA twice this season, proving that the Trojans have taken control of the rivalry. Watkins played a massive role in both victories, combining for 68 points across the two matchups.

Her ability to dominate the Bruins has been remarkable. She now has four straight 30-point games against them, a feat few players have accomplished. According to ESPN Research, only one player has had longer streaks of 30+ points against a single opponent in the past 25 years—former Iowa legend Caitlin Clark, who had 10 straight against Nebraska and five in a row against Minnesota.

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“She’s just 19, and she’s already doing things that put her in historic company,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “But what sets her apart is her drive. It’s something you can’t teach.”

Source: Watkins drops 30 as USC clinches Big Ten regular-season title

First-Half Fireworks, Second-Half Adjustments

With basketball royalty Cheryl and Reggie Miller sitting courtside, Watkins put on a show in the first half. She torched UCLA’s defense for 23 points before halftime, draining four three-pointers and drawing defenders like a magnet.

“She makes you rethink your entire defensive strategy,” Gottlieb said. “Even when you throw everything at her, she finds a way.”

UCLA head coach Cori Close made adjustments in the second half, switching defenders and trying to disrupt Watkins’ rhythm. It worked to an extent—Watkins scored just seven points after the break—but by then, the damage was done.

“She’s so tough to stop,” Close admitted. “We changed our coverages, we tried to throw different looks at her, and we did a better job in the second half. But great players find ways to impact the game.”

And Watkins did just that. Even when she wasn’t scoring, she was making a difference—forcing turnovers, blocking shots, and setting up her teammates for easy buckets. USC capitalized on UCLA’s 16 turnovers, scoring 25 points off those mistakes.

USC vs UCLA Clash: Watkins 30-Point Performance Seals Big Ten Crown

Kiki Iriafen Steps Up in the Clutch

While Watkins was the headliner, she wasn’t the only reason USC won. Forward Kiki Iriafen played a huge role in the second half, stepping up when UCLA started to rally. After the Bruins cut the deficit to just four points in the third quarter, Iriafen responded with 15 second-half points to keep USC in control.

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“Playing with JuJu gives me so much confidence,” Iriafen said. “Even if I’m not having my best game, I know she’s going to take care of business.”

This balance has been the key to USC’s success all season. Watkins may be the star, but the Trojans have built a well-rounded team that knows how to win together.

“We’ve figured out how to embrace the greatness of our stars while valuing the importance of everyone else,” Gottlieb said.

Celebration and Bigger Goals Ahead

As USC celebrated on UCLA’s home floor, players slipped on championship shirts and posed with their Big Ten trophy. But the most telling moment came as Watkins walked off the court. A UCLA student, once part of the loud “air ball” chant, held up a whiteboard that read, “We love you JuJu.”

Gottlieb smiled at the moment but quickly refocused on the road ahead. “We’re not done,” she said. “We have to enjoy these moments, but we have bigger goals.”

With a Big Ten title secured and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament likely, USC’s journey is far from over. Watkins and the Trojans have their eyes on an even greater prize—a national championship.