USC Women Claim Big Ten Title, Men Break Losing Streak

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The USC women’s basketball team clinched the Big Ten regular-season championship Saturday after a dominant victory over No. 2 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion, while the Trojan men ended a challenging stretch by snapping a five-game losing streak.

In a noteworthy week for the women, they were buoyed by exceptional performances, with standout player earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors. Additionally, Coach of the Year accolades were bestowed on , and both and were recognized as unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selections. Watkins also earned a place on the All-Defensive team, while made the conference’s All-Freshmen team.

The men’s team also found success, as returned to form with a remarkable 25-point, 11-assist performance during a 92-61 triumph over Washington just days after struggling in a road loss at Oregon.

Head coach voiced enthusiasm for the women’s recent achievements, highlighting their control of their own destiny. “It has a little bit of an elevated feel, for sure,” she stated. “We don’t have to wait and hope somebody else loses. It’s at our fingertips. And yet it’s a very hard task because UCLA is really good, too.”

As the rivalry heated up, expectations mounted for Saturday’s clash, where the stakes included maintaining the Trojans’ perfect home record and continuing their momentum against UCLA, the crosstown rivals.

In their previous encounter, USC secured a convincing win over the Bruins at the Galen Center, with Watkins recording 38 points and eight blocks. Coach emphasized the importance of adjusting gameplay, particularly against center Lauren Betts, who poses significant challenges on both ends of the court.

“It’s a great game,” Watkins noted. “I’m always excited for the matchup, and it just comes down to the intangibles.”

As USC looks ahead to the Big Ten Tournament, the spotlight intensifies on their upcoming quarterfinals match against an unnamed opponent, further branching into an anticipated NCAA tournament appearance. The Trojans, having rallied to six consecutive victories following an earlier 15-game win streak, now face heightened expectations and challenges.

With the women now ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll — the highest they’ve been in 39 years — the momentum proves crucial as they gear up for their postseason showcases.

In a separate discourse, USC football has taken strides to revamp its recruiting strategy. New general manager has emphasized the importance of focusing on local talent as the team’s key to success. “This opportunity, not only for myself, my family, but what we’re recruiting and what we’re trying to acquire, there’s nothing that this place can’t offer a young person,” Bowden stated during a press event.

Bowden plans to direct efforts primarily within California, citing historical success linked to local talent acquisition. “History repeats itself. It always does,” he remarked, alluding to previous championship-winning teams. He underscored the vital need to establish and maintain strong relationships within local communities to bolster recruiting outcomes.

The Trojan community remains abuzz with enthusiasm as both the women’s basketball team prepares for the Big Ten Tournament and the football program seeks to solidify its recruiting efforts heading into the next season.