UCLA Dominates USC in Rivalry Showdown
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 11:00 PM ET · Pauley Pavilion
UCLA Bruins 81, USC Trojans 62, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins?
UCLA Bruins beat USC Trojans 81-62 at Pauley Pavilion on February 24, 2026.
Who was favored in USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins?
UCLA Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -325 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
The UCLA Bruins secured a commanding victory over the USC Trojans, finishing the game with a score of 81 to 62. This match was held at Pauley Pavilion and marked another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams. UCLA's performance was particularly noteworthy as they improved their home record to 20-9, while USC fell to 18-11 on the season.
UCLA entered this game with a recent form of 6 wins and 4 losses over their last 10 games, currently riding a one-game winning streak. They averaged 76.9 points scored and allowed 77.3 points per game during this stretch. Their last game prior to this matchup was a thrilling win against the Illinois Fighting Illini, where they triumphed 95-94. The Bruins had shown resilience at home, boasting a home record of 6-4 in their last 10 games, with an impressive scoring average of 77.0 points in their last five outings.
On the other side, the USC Trojans have struggled recently, with a record of 4-6 in their last 10 games and currently on a three-game losing streak. They averaged 73.0 points scored and allowed 77.3 points during this period. Their last game resulted in a narrow loss to the Oregon Ducks, finishing 70-71. USC's away record in their last 10 games stands at 2-4, highlighting their difficulties outside of their home venue.
In terms of their head-to-head meetings, UCLA has had the upper hand, winning both encounters in the previous season. They first faced off on January 28, 2025, where UCLA won 82-76, followed by a decisive 90-63 victory on March 9, 2025. This recent history added an extra layer of pressure for the Trojans as they sought to turn the tide in this rivalry.
Injury reports indicated no significant absences impacting either team for this matchup, allowing both squads to field their best players. This was crucial, especially for USC, who needed all hands on deck to compete against a strong UCLA side.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had UCLA favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 150.5. The odds reflected the Bruins' strong home performance and recent form, while USC's struggles contributed to their underdog status. The moneyline offered -325 for UCLA and +260 for USC, indicating a clear expectation of a Bruins victory.
The game conditions were favorable, with a typical basketball environment at Pauley Pavilion, which often provides a significant home-court advantage. Fans were treated to an exciting atmosphere, contributing to the Bruins' strong performance.
During the game, viewers witnessed a series of impressive scoring plays from UCLA that showcased their offensive prowess. Key moments included Tyler Bilodeau making a layup and a 14-foot jumper, as well as Eric Freeny hitting a 24-foot three-point jumper that extended UCLA's lead. Donovan Dent also contributed with a floating jump shot that further solidified the Bruins' dominance.
Ultimately, UCLA's victory was a testament to their strong home performance and ability to execute under pressure, while USC will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they look to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCLA -6.5 | 150.5 o -112 / u -108 | USC Trojans +260 · UCLA Bruins -325 |
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Dent30UCLA Bruins
- AssistsDonovan Dent8UCLA Bruins
- ReboundsTyler Bilodeau9UCLA Bruins
- PointsChad Baker-Mazara25USC Trojans
- AssistsJacob Cofie4USC Trojans
- ReboundsChad Baker-Mazara8USC Trojans
Recent form
UCLA Bruins
Last 10: 6-4Streak W176.9 scored · 77.3 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W95-94vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 22
- L59-82at Michigan State SpartansFeb 18
- L56-86at Michigan WolverinesFeb 14
- W77-73vs Washington HuskiesFeb 8
- W98-66vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 4
- L97-98vs Indiana HoosiersJan 31
- W73-57at Oregon DucksJan 29
- W71-64vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 24
- W69-67vs Purdue BoilermakersJan 21
- L74-86at Ohio State BuckeyesJan 17
USC Trojans
Last 10: 4-6Streak L373 scored · 77.3 allowed per game2-2 away
- L70-71vs Oregon DucksFeb 21
- L65-101vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 19
- L82-89at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 11
- W77-75at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 8
- W81-75vs Indiana HoosiersFeb 4
- W78-75vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 1
- L72-73at Iowa HawkeyesJan 29
- W73-71at Wisconsin BadgersJan 25
- L68-74vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 22
- L64-69vs Purdue BoilermakersJan 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | USC Trojans | UCLA Bruins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-60 | 31-63 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 8-26 | 7-20 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 35 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 12-14 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 23 |
| Assists | 11 | 18 |
| Steals | 2 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 32 |
| Fouls | 16 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 19 | 71 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half31-38Ezra Ausar makes layup (Chad Baker-Mazara assists)
- 2nd Half33-38Chad Baker-Mazara makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half33-39Donovan Dent makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-40Donovan Dent makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half33-42Donovan Dent makes layup
- 2nd Half33-44Skyy Clark makes layup (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half34-44Ryan Cornish makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-44Ryan Cornish makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-44Kam Woods makes 23-foot three point jumper (Terrance Williams II assists)
- 2nd Half38-46Trent Perry makes 18-foot jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half40-46Kam Woods makes layup
- 2nd Half40-47Xavier Booker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-48Xavier Booker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-48Jacob Cofie makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half43-51Xavier Booker makes 27-foot three point jumper (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half46-51Chad Baker-Mazara makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jacob Cofie assists)
- 2nd Half46-53Trent Perry makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-55Trent Perry makes layup (Xavier Booker assists)
- 2nd Half48-55Chad Baker-Mazara makes layup (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half49-55Chad Baker-Mazara makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half49-58Donovan Dent makes 29-foot three point jumper (Tyler Bilodeau assists)
- 2nd Half49-60Tyler Bilodeau makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half51-60Alijah Arenas makes layup
- 2nd Half51-62Tyler Bilodeau makes 11-foot jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half52-62Alijah Arenas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-62Alijah Arenas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-64Donovan Dent makes layup
- 2nd Half55-64Kam Woods makes layup
- 2nd Half55-66Xavier Booker makes layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half55-68Eric Freeny makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half57-68Alijah Arenas makes 6-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half59-68Chad Baker-Mazara makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half59-70Tyler Bilodeau makes layup
- 2nd Half59-72Tyler Bilodeau makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-72Chad Baker-Mazara makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-74Eric Freeny makes 15-foot jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half60-77Eric Freeny makes 24-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half60-79Donovan Dent makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half60-81Trent Perry makes layup
- 2nd Half62-81Kam Woods makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours UCLA Bruins, below favours USC Trojans.
Venue
- Pauley PavilionLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance13659
- OfficialsD.J. Carstensen, Nate Harris, Jeffrey Anderson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond