Mar 9, 2025, 07:31 PM ET

INDIANAPOLIS — Lauren Betts scored 13 of her 17 points in the second half Sunday and No. 4 UCLA allowed only four baskets over the final 12 minutes as the Bruins rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat No. 2 USC 72-67 in the Big Ten Tournament championship game.

It marked the first time the Bruins (30-2) beat their longtime crosstown rival in three games this season. USC (28-3) won the previous meeting — and the outright regular-season title — nine days earlier at UCLA, and the Bruins made no secret they wanted a rematch.

UCLA still needed an incredible defensive performance to turn the game. The Trojans missed 14 consecutive shots, starting late in the third quarter, and made only four baskets in the fourth as their 48-35 lead withered away.

JuJu Watkins finished with 29 points and six rebounds to lead USC, which had a nine-game winning streak snapped.

Kiki Rice and Londynn Jones each had 13 points for UCLA. Rice also had eight assists, while Betts notched 5 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 steals to win the tourney’s Most Outstanding Player Award.

The Bruins got the matchup they wanted — and the finish they dreamed of.

Coach Cori Close challenged her team to be tougher and more aggressive, and it was the difference in the game.

The Trojans appeared to be in good shape when they opened the second half with a 3-pointer to take their largest lead of the game, but they failed to put it away.

USC finished by going 4-of-19 from the field in the fourth quarter, with the first basket coming with 1:12 left.

Janiah Barker‘s two free throws with 4:10 to go finally gave the Bruins a 62-56 lead — and the confidence to close it out.

Both teams will take a week off before learning who they will host in Los Angeles for the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.