In a closely contested conference game, the University of Southern California Trojans, ranked 6th with a record of 64-71, faced off against the 2nd-ranked University of California, Los Angeles Bruins. Despite a valiant effort by the Trojans, they fell short with a final score of 71-64 in favor of the Bruins.

Dec 30, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) is defended by UCLA Bruins guard Camryn Brown (35) in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The game was held at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion and saw an impressive turnout with 13,659 spectators in attendance. The match-up was marked by numerous lead changes—10 in total—and was tied six times throughout its duration. Both teams fought hard on the court to establish dominance.

The USC Trojans showed resilience from start to finish. They began their scoring with 11 points in the first quarter and ramped up their efforts to add another 26 points before halftime. The third quarter saw them contribute an additional 14 points followed by a toughly contested fourth quarter where they managed to put up another 13 points.

Dec 30, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) is defended by USC Trojans guard Taylor Bigby (1) and guard Kayla Padilla (45) as she goes for a basket in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Statistically speaking, USC had some notable performances despite their loss. They achieved an impressive free throw percentage rounding out at approximately 85 percent by making 17 out of their attempted 20 shots from the line. From beyond the arc and within it, both three-pointers and two-pointers were made at an equal rate of about one-third success rate (33 percent). Their defensive efforts resulted in five blocks and as many steals while dishing out seven assists over four quarters.

On offense for USC, fast break opportunities led to ten points but they struggled somewhat inside with only fourteen paint points scored during playtime. Rebounding played a significant role for both teams; however, USC gathered a total rebound count of thirty-seven compared to UCLA's forty-eight rebounds which included twenty-five defensive boards for USC.

Dec 30, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and USC Trojans center Rayah Marshall (13) reach for a rebound in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The home team UCLA Bruins demonstrated why they are highly ranked this season as well. Their defense was particularly strong with nine blocks and seven steals contributing significantly to their victory over USC Trojans. Offensively they were slightly more efficient than their opponents from field goal range making approximately thirty-five percent overall including eight successful three-point shots which translated into thirty-eight percent accuracy from long distance.

Looking ahead after this intense battle between two prestigious universities' basketball programs; fans can anticipate watching future games featuring these talented athletes once again demonstrating high-level competition on court.

As for what comes next for the University of Southern California Trojans basketball team: They will be hosting Oregon State Beavers at Galen Center located in Los Angeles on January fifth at seven o'clock PM Pacific Time Zone (PT). Fans eager not miss any action can tune into Pac-12 Network where this upcoming event will be broadcasted live ensuring that no one misses out on witnessing what promises be yet another exciting college basketball encounter.

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