Women’s basketball drops rivalry match to USC 71-68

USC guard Sadie Edwards appeared from behind UCLA’s Kelli Hayes, stole the ball from the surprised sophomore guard and sprinted downcourt for a breakaway layup, giving the Trojans another two points on the board in the second period.

This play would prove to be vital in restoring the energy for USC (14-2), resulting in a 71-68 loss for No. 15 UCLA. It was ultimately the Trojans’ defense that helped the team pull out the win as USC outrebounded UCLA 33-22.

“Every defensive stop we got in that third or fourth quarter built our confidence,” said USC coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke. “We knew that we could grab a rebound on our fast break and so we did that in the third or fourth quarter and we came with a victory.”

Graduate forward Temi Fagbenle contributed to that strong defense by leading the Trojans in both points and rebounds.

“(Coach) called a few plays for me to go one-on-one and I did,” Fagbenle said. “You just got to do what you got to do at the end of the day this the position you’re in (to be under pressure) and you’re going to win or fail.”

USC came into the game searching for redemption from its close 78-73 loss to UCLA on Dec. 30. Both teams struggled with shooting in the first half, with the Bruins shooting 9-of-38 and the Trojans not far behind with 10-of-33, but by halftime USC led 27-24.

Despite having a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, UCLA fought to keep the game close. The close game could have been even closer, however, if the Bruins were able to hit their free throws.

“You got to make free throws – especially in that first half we left a lot on the line,” said UCLA coach Cori Close. “When we finally got to the free throw line you got to gain some momentum from having a free shot and we didn’t take advantage of those.”

Sunday’s loss marked UCLA’s first in Pac-12 play. The Bruins will have to find their zone when it comes to both free throws and their defensive play in order to avoid another loss against a conference contender.