UCLA avenges losses to USC in Large Ten title sport – ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Lauren Betts scored 13 of her 17 factors within the second half Sunday and No. 4 UCLA allowed solely 4 baskets over the ultimate 12 minutes because the Bruins rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat No. 2 USC 72-67 within the Large Ten Match championship sport.
It marked the primary time the Bruins (30-2) beat their longtime crosstown rival in three video games this season. USC (28-3) gained the earlier assembly — and the outright regular-season title — 9 days earlier at UCLA, and the Bruins made no secret they needed a rematch.
UCLA nonetheless wanted an unbelievable defensive efficiency to show the sport. The Trojans missed 14 consecutive photographs, beginning late within the third quarter, and made solely 4 baskets within the fourth as their 48-35 lead withered away.
JuJu Watkins completed with 29 factors and 6 rebounds to guide USC, which had a nine-game successful streak snapped.
Kiki Rice and Londynn Jones every had 13 factors for UCLA. Rice additionally had eight assists, whereas Betts notched 5 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 steals to win the tourney’s Most Excellent Participant Award.
The Bruins obtained the matchup they needed — and the end they dreamed of.
Coach Cori Shut challenged her crew to be harder and extra aggressive, and it was the distinction within the sport.
The Trojans gave the impression to be in good condition once they opened the second half with a 3-pointer to take their largest lead of the sport, however they did not put it away.
USC completed by going 4-of-19 from the sector within the fourth quarter, with the primary basket coming with 1:12 left.
Janiah Barker‘s two free throws with 4:10 to go lastly gave the Bruins a 62-56 lead — and the arrogance to shut it out.
Each groups will take every week off earlier than studying who they are going to host in Los Angeles for the primary two rounds of the NCAA event.
The Related Press contributed to this report.

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