UCLA and USC Set for High-Stakes Rematch in Big Ten Championship

INDIANAPOLIS — The UCLA women’s basketball team faces a familiar rival Sunday in the Big Ten Championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where they seek redemption against the USC Trojans. Having lost to them twice this season, the fourth-ranked Bruins (29-2) aim to claim their first title of the tournament after a decisive victory over Ohio State.

In the semifinals on Saturday, UCLA defeated Ohio State 75-46, showcasing dominant play with guard Londynn Jones scoring a game-high 22 points. The BU Bruins built an early lead and never looked back, securing a chance for a rematch against the No. 2 Trojans (28-2).

“This is the game we’ve been looking forward to,” said UCLA forward Gabriela Jaquez. “It’s a chance to show what we can really do.”

UCLA built a remarkable double-digit lead against Ohio State in the first quarter, driven by Jaquez’s early contributions and Jones’ long-range shooting. The team shot 50.8% from the field, including 45.8% from three-point range, as they overwhelmed the Buckeyes, who struggled to find their rhythm with a season-low score.

Despite the Bruins’ stellar performance, the looming specter of USC adds pressure to the championship game. Earlier in the season, USC swept the Bruins, marking UCLA’s only losses.

“They’ve been on our minds all week,” UCLA point guard Kiki Rice acknowledged. “We want this third matchup to prove we’re the better team.”

The Trojans advanced to the final after defeating Michigan in their semifinal, maintaining their winning streak against UCLA. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed confidence in her team but is cautious about the upcoming clash, emphasizing the need for focus.

“We can’t look past any opponent, especially a team as talented as UCLA,” she said. “We’ll have to bring our best game.”

This championship matchup not only carries the weight of rivalry but also significant implications for both teams as they aim to solidify their status in the postseason. UCLA coach Cori Close believes this game is crucial for her team to regain confidence.

“We need to remind ourselves of what we are capable of. It’s about toughness and resilience,” said Close. “We are in this together, and I take responsibility for leading us in the right direction.”

The game, which will serve as a test of the Bruins’ mettle, is set for Sunday at 4:30 PM. Basketball fans across the country are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying matchup for championship gold.