The atmosphere was electric at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the UCLA Bruins stormed the court, celebrating their triumph in the Big Ten tournament. Streamers and confetti rained down from the rafters, marking a significant moment for the team that had previously struggled against their rivals, the USC Trojans. With a stunning come-from-behind victory of 72-67 over USC, the Bruins clinched their first tournament championship since winning the Pac-10 title in 2006.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins donned their championship hats, tears streaming down their faces amidst joyous smiles. UCLA head coach Cori Close expressed her gratitude for the team's resilience, stating, “Thankful and humbled to watch them persevere, to grow, to find ways to win, to be committed to selflessness, just so grateful.” Her players showcased a remarkable ability to stay composed, even when trailing by 13 points early in the third quarter.
The Bruins made crucial adjustments, particularly in their defense, effectively neutralizing USC's superstar JuJu Watkins. After scoring 18 of her 29 points in the first half, Watkins struggled to find her rhythm, managing only four of 15 shots post-halftime. “We struggled in the second half,” she admitted, reflecting on her inability to replicate her previous performances against UCLA, where she scored 38 and 30 points in their earlier matchups.
UCLA center Lauren Betts proved instrumental in the closing minutes, making critical plays that shifted the momentum in favor of the Bruins. She delivered a pivotal block against Watkins and converted a tough layup despite being double-teamed, extending UCLA's lead to 66-60. Betts finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and four blocks, earning the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award as her teammates celebrated her performance with chants of her name.
Alongside Betts, Kiki Rice and Londyyn Jones contributed significantly, each scoring 13 points. After the game, Betts captured the moment by taking a selfie with Rice and Jones, expressing her disbelief at their victory. Rice echoed her sentiments, noting, “We came ready to play, so just proud of everyone.”
Despite an impressive regular season, the Trojans struggled to maintain their form in the championship game, particularly during the second half. They managed only two of 15 three-point attempts and succumbed to 24 turnovers. The Bruins, on the other hand, capitalized on USC's mistakes, forcing 19 turnovers that played a crucial role in their comeback.
UCLA's pivotal moment came when they halted their fouling strategy against Watkins, allowing them to regain control of the game. A decisive 16-2 run towards the end of the third quarter and into the fourth propelled UCLA to a 58-54 lead, igniting their fans who rallied behind the team. This surge included a key rebound and putback by Rice, along with an impressive performance by Betts.
For Coach Close, who had faced numerous challenges during her tenure, this victory represented a personal milestone. After years of striving for a conference title, she climbed a ladder to cut the net, twirling the strands over her head as ecstatic UCLA fans invaded the court. The unique matchup of two Los Angeles teams competing in a Midwestern arena added to the excitement and significance of the championship.
As both teams prepare for the NCAA tournament, they remain strong contenders, likely securing No. 1 seeds. The possibility of facing each other again in the Final Four looms large, promising another thrilling chapter in this intense rivalry.
