INDIANAPOLIS — On Sunday, March 9, 2025, the UCLA Bruins claimed victory against the USC Trojans, beating them 72-67 to win the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament championship and gain momentum heading toward the NCAA Tournament. This hard-fought win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was especially sweet for the Bruins, as it provided them with much-needed revenge after losing twice to their crosstown rivals earlier this season.
The victory marked UCLA's first tournament championship since they won the Pac-10 title back in 2006. The Bruins' exceptional performance, particularly during the second half where they outscored the Trojans 37-22, was instrumental. UCLA's record now stands at 30-2, solidifying their status as one of the premier teams entering the NCAA Tournament.
UCLA fell behind by 13 points at one stage during the third quarter before rallying back with outstanding defensive and offensive play. Lauren Betts was pivotal, finishing with 17 points — 13 of which came in the second half. Betts’s performance included three block shots during the final quarter, demonstrating her impact on both ends of the court.
Kiki Rice also added 13 points, contributing several key baskets late in the game. Together, they helped UCLA hold USC to just two field goals over the final 12 minutes, effectively limiting their scoring opportunities. The Trojans' superstar, JuJu Watkins, who previously dominated the Bruins, managed to score only four points during the second half and struggled to find rhythm. Ibrahim's jumper with 1:13 left cut UCLA's lead to 64-60, but it wasn’t enough as time ran out on the Trojans.
The game’s transformation was remarkable, considering UCLA’s early challenges. The Bruins had trailed 45-35 at halftime, and many fans feared they might face another disappointing outcome against USC. After two losses to the Trojans earlier this season, including decisive defeats of 80-67 and 71-60 — with the latter occurring just days earlier — Coach Cori Close had expressed frustration about her team's toughness. She mentioned the need for her players to dig deep during high-pressure scenarios, which they did dramatically in this final showdown.
Reflecting on their previous disappointments, UCLA held a players-only meeting to regroup, which certainly paid off. UCLA has consistently shown improvement throughout the tournament, particularly after their dominating 75-46 win over Ohio State the day before. That matchup allowed the Bruins to rest their starters for most of the fourth quarter, ensuring they entered the final fresh.
The first half of the championship match was challenging, with USC leading the scoring. JuJu Watkins hit several key shots early, contributing to her total of 29 points overall. Watkins's performance was undoubtably impressive, yet as the game progressed, her influence waned significantly, especially as her team faltered down the stretch. The Trojans went cold, missing their first 13 shots of the fourth quarter and scoring just 13 points total during it—an incredible drop considering they led at various points during the game.
While UCLA struggled from the field early on, hitting just 35.6 percent of their attempts, they adapted their strategy effectively by the fourth quarter. A 14-2 run propelled the Bruins back to life mid-game, showcasing their determination. The key turning point came when Janiah Barker put the Bruins back on top 56-54, after trailing behind for most of the first half.
Despite the mounting pressure, both teams displayed intense energy and commitment to their plays. The intensity remained high, evident from the rough fouls leading to timeouts during pivotal moments of the game. UCLA managed to capitalize on their defensive stands, especially after rallying from significant deficits. Coach Close conveyed the need for her team to maintain their energy and focus, and they clearly responded well.
UCLA's routing over Ohio State just the day before provided them with strategic advantages. Betts’s ability to dominate inside against USC’s front line as the game progressed was especially influential. The significant rebounds, and defensive stops, allowed the Bruins to regain control of the tempo and rhythm of the game.
Winning the Big Ten title is set to bolster UCLA’s NCAA Tournament aspirations significantly. Their triumph, coupled with the recent loss by Texas to South Carolina — who secured their own conference title with a 64-45 win — positions UCLA as frontrunners for the No. 1 overall seed. Coach Close and her team have certainly made their case with this victory.
With NCAA Selection Sunday fast approaching on March 16, excitement surrounds the Bruins not only for winning the championship but also for the potential of making deep runs during the tournament. UCLA’s ability to recover from their earlier defeats against USC showcases resilience and promise as they prepare to represent their school proudly on the national stage.
“This is our team, and we come together when it matters most,” said Cori Close. “Despite earlier setbacks, we were able to showcase our unity and drive when it counted. We look forward to what’s next.”