No. 4 UCLA women rout rival No. 17 USC

Published: Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 3:23 am

UCLA Dominates USC in Crosstown Rivalry, Securing a Decisive Victory

LOS ANGELES - In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 4 UCLA Bruins delivered a resounding victory over their crosstown rivals, the No. 17 USC Trojans, with a final score of 80-46. The game, the first of two scheduled contests between the teams this season, showcased UCLA's dominance on both ends of the court.

A key factor in UCLA's success was the performance of senior center Lauren Betts, who proved to be a significant challenge for the Trojans. Betts led the Bruins with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while also anchoring the defense, limiting USC's inside shooting to a mere 23%. Her presence in the paint was a constant threat, disrupting USC's offensive strategies.

The Bruins' victory margin of 34 points marked their largest win against USC since February 2021. The Trojans' coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, acknowledged the defeat, stating that UCLA was the superior team. UCLA's defense, led by Betts, effectively contained USC's post players, holding them to a mere two points on 1-for-13 shooting.

Beyond Betts' contributions, UCLA's backcourt also played a crucial role. Gianna Kneepkens, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Kiki Rice all made significant impacts on the game, contributing to the Bruins' offensive firepower. UCLA's strong performance extended beyond scoring, as they outrebounded USC 46-26 and recorded 24 assists.

USC struggled to find its rhythm, particularly in the second quarter, where UCLA went on a 16-2 run. Despite a brief surge of three-pointers early in the game, USC's shooting accuracy faltered, ultimately shooting 4-for-19 from beyond the arc.

BNN's Perspective: This game highlights the importance of a strong interior presence in women's college basketball. While USC has a talented team, UCLA's strategic use of Lauren Betts proved to be the difference maker. The Bruins' comprehensive performance, combining strong defense with effective scoring, sets a high standard for the season.

Keywords: UCLA, USC, women's basketball, Lauren Betts, rivalry, Bruins, Trojans, score, victory, basketball game, college basketball, points, rebounds, defense, offense, Gianna Kneepkens, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Kiki Rice

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