UCLA tops host USC, ending lengthy drought

UCLA scored its first win road win against USC since 2018 and sent the Trojans to a fifth consecutive loss in a 65-50 decision on Saturday in Los Angeles.

The Bruins (9-11, 4-5 Pac-12 Conference) closed the first half on a 22-4 run, flipping a seven-point deficit into a double-digit lead the Bruins held throughout the second half.

Dylan Andrews led UCLA with 20 points, seven of which came in a flurry with less than three minutes left before intermission. Lazar Stefanovic added 17 points and shot 9 of 9 at the free-throw line for the Bruins, while Adem Bona recorded a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Bona's efforts contributed to an overwhelming 43-29 UCLA advantage on the glass, including 15 Bruins offensive rebounds to just seven for the Trojans. UCLA converted that edge into a 17-4 disparity on second-chance points.

Bona also helped key a stifling defensive effort with two blocked shots. UCLA held USC to just 17-of-48 shooting from the floor, resulting in the Trojans' lowest scoring output of the season.

USC (8-12, 2-7) got off to a strong start with a 10-2 run in the middle of the first half. That burst put the Trojans ahead 22-15 with 7:29 to go before halftime, but they managed just 28 points for the remaining almost 27-plus minutes of the game.

Oziyah Sellers was the lone Trojan to score in double-figures, posting 10 points off the bench. Boogie Ellis shot just 3 of 10 from the floor en route to eight points in his return after a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury.

Kobe Johnson scored another eight points, while Bronny James finished with just two points and was 0-for-3 from the floor.

The win was UCLA's first at the Galen Center under head coach Mick Cronin, who debuted with the Bruins in the 2019-20 season.

—Field Level Media