JuJu Watkins scored 38 points to lead sixth-ranked Southern California over No 1 UCLA 71-60 on Thursday night, handing the crosstown rival Bruins their first loss of the season.
The Trojans rallied with a huge fourth quarter after being held to nine points in the third when they trailed 52-47.
Kiki Iriafen added 13 points for the Trojans (22-2, 12-2 Big Ten). It was the program’s first win over a top-ranked team since 1983.
Lauren Betts, the Big Ten’s No 2 scorer behind Watkins, had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Bruins (23-1, 11-1). They were the nation’s last unbeaten Division I team.
USC outscored the Bruins 24-8 in the fourth, including an 11-2 run to end the game as the sold-out crowd at Galen Center was on its feet roaring.
The Trojans blew a 14-point lead in the second quarter when Watkins scored all of their 14 points. They were outdone by the Bruins 17-9 in the third only to come back in the fourth.
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