UCLA Women's Basketball: Bruins Secure Hard-Fought Victory Against Rival Trojans

The battle between the UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans was as advertised. The #2 ranked and #6 ranked teams duked it out each quarter, though it was the Bruins who came away with the crucial victory.

Starting off in the 1st quarter, the Women of Westwood came out strong. Charisma Osborne took care of business, dropping down another 3-pointer.

𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗢𝗦𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗘

Our all-time leading three point shooter. One of one.

📺: Pac-12 Network#GoBruins | @AngelaDugalic x @CharismaOsborne pic.twitter.com/YdIu7A9AzT
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) December 31, 2023

The Bruins would go on a huge run, securing a 12-2 lead. Shortly after, the Trojans came back on a run of their own, ending the quarter 14-11 in favor of the Bruins.

Despite the rocky start after being 10 ahead, the team began to formulate far more defense in the second quarter. Lauren Betts began to come in with huge blocks, and the Bruins would come back from being behind for the first time all night.

Tractor trailer, movie trailer, shooting trailer. Don't matter, Angela's knocking it down.

📺: Pac-12 Network#GoBruins | @CharismaOsborne x @AngelaDugalic pic.twitter.com/BgPvQ8QSw0
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) December 31, 2023

Halftime ended with the teams neck and neck, as the Bruins came ahead 38-37.

The second half was full of fireworks once again, as both teams battled it out with shots, blocks, and rebounds.

Though Betts had a slower-than-usual start with scoring, she started to get going in the third quarter.

Owning the paint 😤 @laurenbetts12 #NCAAWBB x 🎥 Pac-12 Network / @UCLAWBB pic.twitter.com/LGaKbmLCuu
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) December 31, 2023

The Bruins continued to pull away in the third quarter, though the Trojans were right on their heels. It was not enough to surpass the Bruins though.

🔵🔵🔵⚫️#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/RHLz2UlcD7
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) December 31, 2023

In the fourth, the Trojans continued to fight back, though it was Londynn Jones who kept scoring.

Ice. Cold. Jones. 🥶🥶🥶

📺: Pac-12 Network#GoBruins | @Deeezzy3 pic.twitter.com/SvG78k7UN6
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) December 31, 2023

Jones would end the night with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Right behind her was Lauren Betts with 15 points, and Kiki Rice with 12 points.

The Bruins fought hard the whole night but never lost focus. They are now 1-0 in their conference debut, along with posting a 12-0 overall record.

The team has a bit of a break before they take on Oregon on January 5.