Recap
3 min read

Can UCLA Bruins Turn the Tide Against USC Trojans at MGM Grand?

The University of California, Los Angeles Bruins faced a challenging game against the University of Southern California Trojans, with the final score settling at 80-70 in favor of the home team. The Bruins now stand with a record of 7 losses and an unspecified number of wins, while the Trojans boast 5 losses.


Mar 8, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) protects the ball from UCLA Bruins guard Charisma Osborne (20) during the third quarter at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The match took place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and was marked by intense competition as evidenced by 11 times tied and 9 lead changes throughout the game. Despite a strong effort from UCLA, which included pushing the game into double overtime, they could not secure victory over USC.


UCLA's performance showcased their resilience and ability to fight back under pressure. After trailing in the first quarter with only 8 points to USC's 24, they rallied in the second quarter scoring an impressive 23 points while holding USC to just 13. However, both teams scored evenly in subsequent quarters until double overtime where USC pulled ahead with an additional ten points across both periods.


Mar 8, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans guard McKenzie Forbes (25) shoots against UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (23) during the third quarter at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Statistically speaking, UCLA demonstrated solid free throw shooting accuracy with an outstanding rate of 88 percent from the line but struggled from beyond the arc hitting only five out of thirty attempts for a three-point percentage of just seventeen percent. Their field goal percentage stood at thirty-two percent after making twenty-five out of seventy-nine attempts.


On defense, UCLA managed to block four shots but were outdone by USC who had eight blocks. The Bruins also recorded six steals and thirteen assists during playtime but committed twenty-eight personal fouls which may have contributed to their loss as it provided USC numerous free-throw opportunities; indeed, USC capitalized on this advantage by making thirty out of thirty-seven free throws for an eighty-one percent completion rate.


Mar 8, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Charisma Osborne (20) battles against USC Trojans forward Kaitlyn Davis (24) and USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) for control of a rebound during the third quarter at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Rebounding was another area where UCLA excelled; they collected fifty-four rebounds including fifteen offensive boards leading to seventeen second-chance points. However, despite these efforts and scoring fourteen points off turnovers thanks to their defensive hustle resulting in six steals – equaling that generated by turnovers – it wasn't enough against a determined Trojan side who edged them out particularly during crucial moments late in overtime periods.


As fans look forward to future games featuring their beloved team – without any predictions or assumptions about outcomes – they can tune into upcoming broadcasts for live coverage as UCLA continues its season journey.

Rate the article

Related stories

UCLA Bruins Narrowly Outscored by LSU Tigers in Albany's Sweet 16 Clash
Recap

UCLA Bruins Narrowly Outscored by LSU Tigers in Albany's Sweet 16 Clash

3 min read
UCLA Bruins Overcome Creighton Bluejays in a Close Encounter at Pauley Pavilion
Recap

UCLA Bruins Overcome Creighton Bluejays in a Close Encounter at Pauley Pavilion

3 min read
UCLA Bruins Overpower Lancers in Commanding Victory at Pauley Pavilion
Recap

UCLA Bruins Overpower Lancers in Commanding Victory at Pauley Pavilion

3 min read
UCLA Bruins Overcome Utah Utes in Pac-12 Quarterfinals at MGM Grand
Recap

UCLA Bruins Overcome Utah Utes in Pac-12 Quarterfinals at MGM Grand

3 min read