Just Like Football, UCLA Destroys USC To Claim Their Third Win In A Row

As it goes, just like football, the UCLA Bruins beat their crosstown rival the USC Trojans 83-66 in their first meeting of the season. In the contest at the Galen Center, UCLA once again used a second half surge to blow past the Trojans and claim their third win in a row. It was a total dismantling of USC from all areas of the game as UCLA has now won 8 of their last 9 over their in-city rivals.

What else could you say about this game other than UCLA destroyed the Trojans as USC literally fell apart at the hands the dominant Bruins. Seriously. Early in the second half, Kevon Looney had thrown down a dunk after a Tony Parker missed hook shot that caused part of the basket to fall off. It was that kind of night for USC.

UCLA Bruins

Things were pretty even in the first half as UCLA lead 36-31 at the break, though it was apparent that the Bruins were in total control. As they have the last three games, UCLA was playing more team-centric ball that got both the front court and the bench involved. Parker was having his way down low as he had 11 by halftime and finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. In the end, UCLA scored 46 points in the paint.

UCLA’s bench had their best game of the season as 7’0″ center Thomas Welsh and 6’9″ forward Gyorgy Goloman had 8 and 3 points, respectively. Additionally, Welsh had four rebounds to add to UCLA’s 40 as the Bruins dominated the glass. USC only had 20 on the night.

UCLA started the second half on fire as they blew past USC with a 15-4 run as Norman Powell and Bryce Alford who were especially hot after the break. Powell scored 17 of his 22 points in the second half. Alford hit three of his five three pointers after halftime to total 21 points.

Jan 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4) is defended by Southern California Trojans forwards Malik Martin (2) and Darion Clark (0) at Galen Center. UCLA defeated USC 83-66. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC had made several impressive runs and even got to within nine points with just under eight minutes left, but for every push the Trojans had, the Bruins retaliated. Though defense has been a weakness for UCLA, they had done a spectacular job of limiting the USC’s chances as they held the Trojans to just 41.4% shooting. They even slowed USC’s very talented freshman Jordan McLaughlin to just 8 points after averaging nearly 13 per game.

Though UCLA has had their troubles this season, they have really turned it around in the last three games. Not only does this win over the crosstown rival boost their confidence, but it also gives the Bruins some momentum as they head to the Oregon schools next week.

The Bruins have eight days to prepare for a battle with Oregon State, a team that recently shocked the Pac-12’s top cat, Arizona with a 58-56 win.

Go Bruins!