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It’s officially 2025, and on New Year’s Day, Big Ten basketball resumed, with No. 4 USC taking on Nebraska and No. 1 UCLA facing No. 24 Michigan.
Both games ended with comfortable double-digit wins for the California teams, reminding us that defeating either of these schools will be an uphill battle for conference opponents.
JuJu Watkins shines in USC win
A 75-55 final score suggests that USC cruised to victory throughout, but that was not the case. Nebraska was right there with USC throughout the first half and the early parts of the third quarter.
However, USC went on an 8-2 run in the third frame to extend its lead from three points to nine. The Trojans then went on to win the quarter 20-11, effectively eliminating the pesky Cornhuskers for good. USC got the production they needed from their core players. Watkins scored a game-high 26 points, along with four assists and three rebounds. Kiki Iriafen stepped up as well, scoring 14 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out three assists.
Nebraska struggled to score, especially in the second half, but had two players in double figures with Britt Prince and Logan Nissley. They combined for nearly half of the Cornhuskers’ total points, with 24 of the team’s 55 points.
UCLA remains the team to beat in the country
It’s a new year, but the Bruins remain the team to beat—not just in the Big Ten but the nation. They have a balanced attack, an elite inside-out game and are now undefeated at 14-0.
In their 86-70 victory over the Wolverines, the Bruins had five players in double figures, with Kiki Rice leading the charge with 16. Lauren Betts dominated from inside with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and the UCLA reserves outscored Michigan’s bench 27-4.
For the Wolverines, it was an uphill battle most of the night. They had a competitive opening quarter, but the game quickly got out of hand once the Bruins got comfortable in the second. UCLA went on a 7-0 run to end the first half and led 40-29 at the break. Betts and Rice kept pouring on points in the third, and Michigan never seriously threatened to come back.
Syla Swords made a valiant effort on Michigan’s behalf during the loss. She scored a game-high 30 points and played in 39 of the possible 40 minutes.
UCLA faces Indiana in Bloomington on Saturday (12 p.m. ET, FOX). Off until Wednesday, Michigan’s schedule won’t get easier, as the Wolverines will play No. 10 Ohio State at home (7 p.m. ET). USC heads to New Jersey to play Rutgers on Sunday night (8 p.m. ET, BTN), while Nebraska hosts Penn State on Sunday afternoon (3 p.m. ET, BIG+).
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