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UCLA Bruins show they can be clutch in win over Trojans

By Mary Coyne

February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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 It’s a few weeks shy of March Madness but you couldn’t tell last night at Pauley Pavilion where the UCLA Bruins took on their crosstown rivals, USC.

Celebrities were in the house and the joint was jumping as the No.6 Bruins stopped a four-game losing streak against the Trojans. The 102-70 victory was payback for an 84-76 loss at USC last month

It was a strong night on defense for the Bruins who held USC to just 33.8 percent shooting while forcing 10 turnovers. The Bruins, (22-5, 9-5 Pac-12), are now undefeated in the month of February and hold a home record of 14-1.

UCLA senior guard Bryce Alford scored team-high 26 points for the Bruins, with 10 straight in the final seven minutes. TJ Leaf added 19 and Thomas Welsh contributed 16 points with 16 rebounds in what was the worst loss of the season for USC.

The game was tied at 23 before the Bruins went on a 28-11 run to finish the first half and take a 46-34 lead. The Bruins extended their lead to 15 early in the second with the help of Welsh who scored eight of the first eighteen. The Trojans never got within nine after that.

Bennie Boatwright led the Trojans with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Chimezie Metu added 14 and the Trojans have now lost two in a row with four games left in the regular season.

A victory would have helped to strengthen the Trojans’ credibility heading into the NCAA Tournament next month. With a 21-6 record, they’ll definitely be invited to the big dance, but a lack of quality wins this season won’t help them snag a higher seeding which they’ll need if they hope to advance to later rounds.

On the flip side, time is running out for the Bruins and their hopes of winning the Pac-12 title. With four games left in the regular season, they trail first-place Arizona (one loss) and second-place Oregon (two losses).

Up next for the Bruins is Arizona State on February 23rd  who they beat by 22 points last month.

USC visits No.6 Arizona on February 23rd. In their first meeting, the Trojans lost by seven.

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