You can feel the air change when you walk into Pauley Pavilion for a game like this. It’s not just the standard "crosstown rival" noise. It’s heavier. On January 3, 2026, when UCLA vs USC women's basketball tipped off for their first meeting of the season, the energy was downright suffocating. For decades, this matchup was a local affair, a battle for Los Angeles bragging rights. Now? It’s a battle for the soul of the Big Ten and a preview of the WNBA Draft.
USC came out and absolutely dismantled the Bruins in that January meeting, winning 80-67. It wasn't even as close as the score suggests. The Trojans led by 14 at the half and never looked back. But if you’ve followed this series, you know one game never tells the whole story. These two teams are like mirror images that happen to hate each other.
📖 Related: Did Arizona State Win? A Brutal Look at the Sun Devils' Most Recent Performance
The JuJu Watkins Factor and the New Big Ten Reality
Honestly, we have to talk about JuJu. JuJu Watkins is a 1-of-1 type of athlete. In that January 3rd win, she put up 30 points, grabbed 5 boards, and dished out 2 assists. She plays with a sort of predatory grace that makes even the best defenders look like they’re moving in slow motion.
But here is the thing: USC isn't just the "JuJu Show" anymore. Under Lindsay Gottlieb, the Trojans have built a roster that can hurt you from four different spots on the floor.
- Kiki Iriafen (who has since graduated but left a blueprint) showed how a dominant post player changes their ceiling.
- Now, you have Jazzy Davidson, the freshman phenom who dropped 21 against Maryland just last week.
- Kara Dunn has become a sniper, recently hitting five threes in a single game.
Switch over to the Westwood side, and Cori Close has built a literal wall. Lauren Betts is 6-foot-7 and arguably the most polished center in the country. When UCLA beats USC, it’s usually because Betts turned the paint into a "no-fly zone." Last season, she averaged 14.9 points and 9.3 rebounds. She is the anchor. If she’s clicking, UCLA is almost impossible to beat because she forces you to double-team her, leaving shooters like Kiki Rice wide open.
UCLA vs USC Women's Basketball: A History of Streaks
People forget how streaky this rivalry is. For a while, UCLA owned the city. They won something like 10 out of 11 matchups in the late 2010s. Then, USC flipped the script. Coming into 2026, the all-time series was dead even at 54 wins apiece. Think about that. Over a hundred games and it's a coin flip.
👉 See also: Why CM Punk on RAW is Still the Only Thing Fans Actually Care About
The 2024-2025 season was particularly chaotic.
- USC took the first two regular-season games.
- JuJu Watkins went off for 38 points in one of them.
- Then, when it mattered most in the Big Ten Tournament, UCLA snatched a 72-67 victory.
That tournament win by the Bruins ended a four-game losing streak to the Trojans. It proved that despite the hype surrounding USC’s "new era," UCLA’s veteran depth—led by Rice and Gabriela Jaquez—is built for March. Jaquez is basically the heartbeat of that team. She isn't always the leading scorer, but she’s the one diving for a loose ball when the game is on the line.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s this misconception that this is just a "star vs. star" game. People want to market it as JuJu vs. Kiki Rice. While that’s a great billboard, it’s actually a game won in the transition margins.
USC wants to run. They want to turn your mistakes into 14-point fast-break explosions. UCLA, conversely, wants to grind you into dust. They are top-tier in rebounding margin, often out-boarding opponents by double digits. If UCLA controls the glass, they win. If USC forces 15+ turnovers, they win. It’s that simple, yet that hard to execute.
Also, can we talk about the travel? Moving to the Big Ten changed the stakes. These teams aren't just playing for "The Victory Bell" or whatever local trophy is on the line. They are playing for seeding in a conference that includes powerhouses like Ohio State and Maryland. Every UCLA vs USC women's basketball game now has national title implications.
The "Betts vs. The World" Problem
In the most recent 80-67 USC win, the Trojans did something smart: they made Lauren Betts work for every single inch. She finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds—a double-double, sure—but she only took 11 shots. USC’s defense, led by the length of their wings, denied the entry pass and made the Bruins' guards beat them from the outside.
UCLA shot 5-for-20 from three in that game. You aren't beating a top-tier USC team shooting 25% from deep. It just won't happen. The Bruins missed the steady hand of someone like Charlisse Leger-Walker in those moments, even though their current roster is loaded with talent like Gianna Kneepkens.
How to Watch and What’s Next
If you missed the January clash, don't worry. The "Crosstown Showdown" has a second act.
- Date: March 1, 2026
- Location: Galen Center (USC Home)
- How to Watch: Most of these high-stakes Big Ten games are landing on Peacock or FS1.
That March 1st game is going to be Senior Day for several key players. It’s likely going to decide who gets a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking at this matchup from a tactical or analytical perspective, watch the rebound margin in the first ten minutes. If UCLA is +5 on the boards early, they’re going to dictate the pace. If USC has 4+ steals in the first quarter, JuJu and company are going to run away with it.
Also, keep an eye on the health of Sienna Betts, the freshman (and Lauren’s sister). Having two "towers" on the floor at the same time is a lineup UCLA has experimented with to counter USC's speed.
To stay ahead of the next game, track the "points off turnovers" stat for both teams in their games against Maryland and Ohio State. USC usually thrives when they can create chaos. If UCLA has cleaned up their ball-handling, the March rematch will be a toss-up. Check the official Bruin and Trojan athletic sites 48 hours before tip-off for the most accurate injury reports, as roster depth has been the deciding factor in three of the last five meetings.