If you walked into Pauley Pavilion on January 3 expecting a classic back-and-forth thriller between two of the best teams in the country, you were probably pretty disappointed by the second half. Or, if you’re a Bruins fan, you were absolutely loving it. The UCLA vs USC women's basketball score ended up at a staggering 80-46 in favor of the Bruins, a margin that honestly felt even wider than the 34-point gap on the scoreboard.
It was supposed to be a heavyweight fight. No. 4 UCLA against No. 17 USC. Crosstown rivals. The first big splash in their new Big Ten reality. Instead, it was a defensive masterclass by Cori Close’s squad that left the Trojans looking for answers they just couldn't find.
The First Quarter Tease
The game actually started like a dream for USC. If you just watched the first ten minutes, you would’ve bet your house on a nail-biter. Kara Dunn opened things up with a triple, and the Trojans were hitting everything from deep. They actually shot 80% from three-point range in the first quarter. Jazzy Davidson, the freshman standout everyone is talking about, looked comfortable. Londynn Jones, the UCLA transfer now wearing USC colors, was aggressive.
The score was tied 16-16 after the first. It had all the makings of a classic. Six ties. Five lead changes. The energy in Westwood was electric, but you could feel the tension.
Then the second quarter happened.
How UCLA Flipped the Script
UCLA didn't just win this game; they systematically dismantled USC’s offense. After that 16-16 start, the Bruins went on a tear, outscoring the Trojans 27-12 in the second period. A 14-0 run late in the half basically ended the competitive portion of the evening.
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Lauren Betts is a problem. There is no other way to put it. The 6-foot-7 center finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, but her impact isn't just in the box score. She changes the geometry of the court. USC’s guards, who are usually so good at getting to the rim, looked hesitant. They were seeing ghosts in the paint.
By halftime, it was 43-28. The 15-point lead felt heavy.
Key Game Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage: UCLA shot a blistering 52.6%, while USC struggled at a measly 27.0%.
- Rebounding: The Bruins dominated the boards 46-26. You aren't winning many games when you give up 20 more rebounds than you take.
- Free Throws: UCLA was efficient, hitting 84.2% of their shots from the stripe.
The Second Half Stifle
If the second quarter was a punch to the gut, the third and fourth were just UCLA leaning on USC until they couldn't breathe. Kiki Rice took over. She finished with 14 points, but 12 of those came in the second half. Her ability to maneuver through traffic is honestly beautiful to watch.
USC’s offense completely dried up. They scored only 12 points in the third and a dismal 6 points in the fourth. Think about that for a second. In a rivalry game of this magnitude, the No. 17 team in the nation was held to six points in a quarter.
Jazzy Davidson finished with 10 points and three blocks, showing flashes of why she’s a top-tier recruit, but she was often forced into tough shots. Kara Dunn led the Trojans with 11. But when your leading scorer only has 11, and you're playing a team with the depth of UCLA, you're in for a long night.
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Why the Margin Was So Large
People are going to look at the UCLA vs USC women's basketball score and wonder if USC is "exposed." That’s probably a bit dramatic. USC has some serious talent, but they are young and still figuring out their identity after losing some key veteran presence from last year’s Elite Eight run.
UCLA, on the other hand, is a finished product. They play with a level of synchronicity that only comes from years of high-level coaching and a roster that has stayed largely intact. They forced 17 turnovers. They blocked shots. They ran the floor.
It also didn't help that USC’s three-point shooting fell off a cliff. After that 4-for-5 start, they couldn't buy a bucket from the perimeter. When the outside shots stop falling and Lauren Betts is waiting in the middle, your options basically disappear.
The Big Ten Landscape
This game was more than just local bragging rights. It was a statement in the Big Ten. UCLA was picked to win the conference in the preseason, and they are playing like it. They are currently 14-1 (4-0 in conference), while USC has stumbled a bit to 10-7 (2-4 in conference).
The Trojans have had a brutal schedule, though. They've played UConn, South Carolina, and Notre Dame. They are battle-tested, but they lack the polish that UCLA showed on January 3.
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What to Expect in the Rematch
We don't have to wait forever for the second round. UCLA and USC meet again on March 1 at the Galen Center. It’ll be the regular-season finale, and you can bet Lindsay Gottlieb will have her team ready.
If USC wants a different result, they have to find a way to mitigate Betts. You can't let her live in the paint. They also need Londynn Jones to have a "revenge game" type of performance. In this first meeting, the pressure of returning to Pauley Pavilion seemed to affect the flow of the Trojan backcourt.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Watch the Paint: In the rematch, look at the early post touches. If UCLA is getting easy entries to Betts, the score will likely mirror this blowout.
- Freshman Growth: Keep an eye on Jazzy Davidson’s progression. By March, she won't be playing like a freshman anymore. Her development is the key to USC’s ceiling.
- Defensive Versatility: UCLA proved they can win even when they don't hit threes (they only made 4 in this game). Their defense is their floor; their offense is their ceiling.
- Tournament Seeding: This 34-point win is a massive "quality win" booster for UCLA’s quest for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. For USC, they need to stabilize to ensure they stay in the top 20 and host early-round games.
The rivalry is alive and well, even if this specific scoreline suggests a lopsided affair. In Los Angeles, things can change fast. But for now, the city belongs to the Bruins.
Next Steps for Followers of the Rivalry:
To get a true sense of the tactical shifts, watch the full replay of the second quarter specifically. Pay attention to how UCLA switched their defensive ball-screen coverage to neutralize Jazzy Davidson. If you're looking for tickets to the March 1 rematch at the Galen Center, buy them now—despite the blowout, that game will be a sellout as USC looks for redemption on their home floor.