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UCLA Dominates USC in Pac-12 Showdown

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, January 4th 2026 at 1:20 GMT by Sporting News

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UCLA Dominates USC in Cross-Town Showdown, Solidifying Pac-12 Title Hopes

The UCLA Bruins delivered a resounding statement on Sunday afternoon, defeating crosstown rivals the USC Trojans 83-64 in a game that showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. The victory, played at Galen Center (USC’s home court), significantly strengthens UCLA's position as a contender for the Pac-12 Conference title and reinforces their status as a team to watch in the upcoming NCAA Tournament conversation. The win moved UCLA to 18-4 overall and 9-2 in conference play, while USC falls to 13-8 (6-5).

From the opening tip, it was clear that UCLA intended to dictate the pace of the game. They came out aggressively on both ends of the court, utilizing their depth and athleticism to overwhelm a USC team struggling with consistency. While USC attempted to counter with their own defensive pressure, they were largely unsuccessful in containing UCLA’s dynamic offense.

The key to UCLA's success was a balanced scoring attack led by senior forward Lauren Betts, who posted an impressive 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Betts, a transfer from Stanford (as detailed in her player profile on ESPN), continues to be the focal point of the Bruins’ offense, demonstrating a dominant presence in the paint. Her ability to score both inside and out made her difficult for USC to defend. The article highlights that Betts' performance is part of a larger trend – UCLA has been relying heavily on its frontcourt players this season.

Beyond Betts, sophomore guard Kiki Banks contributed 16 points, showcasing her scoring versatility. Her ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for herself and her teammates proved crucial in keeping USC off balance. Junior forward Gabriela Jaquez added another 13 points, further demonstrating UCLA’s depth and their capacity to score from multiple positions. The Bruins' bench also played a significant role, outscoring USC's reserves 24-15, a testament to coach Cori Close’s emphasis on team basketball and player development.

USC, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm. While senior guard Kayla Padilla led the Trojans with 18 points, she was largely contained by UCLA’s defense in the second half. The article notes that USC has been battling inconsistency throughout the season, a factor contributing to their losing record in conference play. Their shooting percentage suffered, and they struggled to capitalize on opportunities created by turnovers. The Trojans' leading scorer, Juju Watkins (a highly touted freshman who was previously highlighted for her impressive debut season), had a relatively quiet game with 12 points, further indicating UCLA’s defensive effectiveness.

Coach Cori Close emphasized the importance of rebounding in the victory. UCLA dominated the boards, securing 43 rebounds compared to USC's 30. This allowed them to control possession and generate second-chance opportunities. Close also praised her team's defensive effort, particularly their ability to adjust to USC’s offensive strategies throughout the game. The article references Close’s coaching philosophy, which prioritizes adaptability and a relentless pursuit of improvement – qualities clearly evident in UCLA’s performance.

The victory holds significant implications for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the Pac-12 season. For UCLA, it reinforces their position among the conference elite and boosts their chances of securing a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. A strong finish to the regular season will be crucial for solidifying their tournament resume. The article mentions that UCLA’s remaining schedule includes challenging matchups against other top Pac-12 teams like Stanford and Oregon, providing opportunities to further demonstrate their championship aspirations.

For USC, the loss underscores the need for improved consistency and a more cohesive team effort. They will need to address their rebounding issues and find ways to generate more balanced scoring if they hope to improve their standing in the conference and make a run in the postseason. The article suggests that Coach Lindsay Gottlieb (who took over as head coach of USC last year) faces an ongoing challenge in building a competitive program, but highlights her commitment to developing young talent and establishing a winning culture.

Ultimately, Sunday’s game was a clear demonstration of UCLA's current strength and potential. Their balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and tenacious defense proved too much for USC to handle. While the rivalry between these two programs is always intense, this victory firmly establishes UCLA as the team with momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The Bruins’ performance suggests they are poised to make a deep run in both the Pac-12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, solidifying their place among the nation's top women's basketball teams.

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