LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins scored 30 points and No. 4 USC defeated second-ranked UCLA 80-67 on Saturday night to clinch the program’s first Big Ten regular-season title in its league debut.
The crosstown rivals came into the sold-out game at Pauley Pavilion tied for first. The Trojans (26-2, 17-1 Big Ten) completed a season sweep of the Bruins (27-2, 16-2), whose only losses came against USC, including a 71-60 defeat at Galen Center two weeks ago.
This time, Watkins scored 23 points in the first half. She ran off six straight to send USC into halftime ahead 46-32.
The Trojans stayed poised in a loud and hostile environment when the Bruins closed within four in the third quarter. They scored nine straight to go into the fourth leading by 13.
Watkins’ 30-point performance was the 20th of her career, tied with Cherie Nelson for second-most in USC history, according to ESPN Research; only Cheryl Miller had more with 25.
The Bruins, who missed their first eight shots and had two turnovers to start the game, never led Saturday and finished with 16 turnovers, which led to 25 points for USC.
Kiki Iriafen had 17 points and nine rebounds for Trojans.
Kiki Rice led the Bruins with 16 points. Lauren Betts was held to 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Singer John Legend, comedian Leslie Jones and brother-and-sister Hall of Famers Reggie Miller and Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale were among the crowd.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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