The rivalry between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans, one of the most storied traditions in collegiate athletics, has entered a defining new chapter. Since both programs transitioned to the Big Ten Conference in August 2024, the basketball court has served as the ultimate testing ground for regional supremacy within a national landscape. As of the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season, UCLA holds a commanding four-game winning streak against USC, sweeping the season series in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns.

The most recent encounter on March 7, 2026, saw UCLA secure an 89-68 victory at the Galen Center, punctuating a season where the Bruins consistently found ways to dismantle the Trojans' defensive schemes. This dominance has not only provided bragging rights for the Westwood faithful but has also significantly impacted the seeding and trajectory of both programs within the Big Ten hierarchy.

Recent Results and the 2025-26 Season Sweep

The 2025-26 season series was characterized by UCLA's superior shooting efficiency and defensive discipline. In their first meeting of the season on February 24, 2026, at Pauley Pavilion, the Bruins utilized a balanced offensive attack to secure an 81-62 win. Despite USC out-rebounding UCLA 41-31, the Trojans struggled to convert those opportunities into points, shooting a lackluster 35% from the floor. Conversely, UCLA connected on over 49% of their shots, maintaining a steady lead that USC could never seriously threaten.

The regular-season finale on March 7, 2026, held at USC’s home court, the Galen Center, followed a similar trajectory. UCLA’s 89-68 victory was a statement of consistency. By halftime, the Bruins had already established control, and they stifled any Trojan attempts at a second-half comeback. Following this game, UCLA finished the regular season with a 21-10 overall record (13-7 in Big Ten play), earning the No. 6 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. USC ended the season at 18-13 (7-13 in the conference), highlighting the gap that currently exists between the two programs in their new conference home.

Rewriting the Script: The 2024-25 Transition Year

To understand the current dynamic, one must look back at the inaugural Big Ten season in 2024-25. That year set the tone for the current four-game streak.

On January 27, 2025, in front of a packed Galen Center, UCLA managed an 82-76 win. This game was a hard-fought battle where Aday Mara emerged as a defensive anchor for the Bruins, registering a career-high 11 rebounds and five blocks. USC showed resilience, cutting a 12-point deficit down to just one point in the final two minutes, led by Rashaun Agee’s 21 points. However, late-game execution by UCLA’s Sebastian Mack and Skyy Clark at the free-throw line sealed the victory.

The second leg of that season, played on March 8, 2025, was far less competitive. UCLA delivered a 90-63 blowout at Pauley Pavilion. Eric Dailey Jr. was the standout performer, scoring a career-high 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting. The Bruins’ defense was suffocating, forcing 20 Trojan turnovers which translated into 37 points. This 27-point margin was the largest in the rivalry since 2014, signaling a shift in the balance of power.

Tactical Breakdown: Why UCLA Holds the Edge

Analysis of the recent four games reveals several recurring tactical themes that have favored Mick Cronin’s Bruins over Eric Musselman’s Trojans.

Perimeter Shooting vs. Interior Presence

UCLA has leveraged its perimeter efficiency to neutralize USC’s size. During the 2025-26 season, UCLA ranked near the top of the Big Ten in three-point percentage, shooting approximately 37.8% from beyond the arc. Skyy Clark and Trent Perry have been instrumental in this regard, stretching the floor and forcing USC’s big men away from the basket.

USC, while often dominant on the boards (as seen in their 41-31 rebounding advantage in February 2026), has struggled with offensive efficiency. The Trojans have frequently relied on second-chance points, but when those put-backs don't fall, their lack of consistent outside shooting becomes a glaring vulnerability.

Defensive Conviction and Turnover Margin

Mick Cronin’s defensive philosophy centers on "conviction" and "toughness." In the blowouts of 2025 and 2026, UCLA’s ability to force turnovers was the primary catalyst. By taking away the middle of the lane—which USC coach Eric Musselman emphasizes as a primary scoring route—UCLA has forced USC into uncomfortable, contested perimeter shots. The 20 turnovers forced by UCLA in March 2025 remain a benchmark for their defensive ceiling in this rivalry.

Key Player Matchups and Standout Performers

Several players have defined this era of the rivalry, either through consistent excellence or explosive individual performances.

  • Eric Dailey Jr. (UCLA): Known for his versatility, Dailey Jr. has been a "Trojan killer" of sorts. His 25-point outburst in 2025 remains one of the most efficient scoring displays in recent rivalry history.
  • Wesley Yates III (USC): Yates III has been the most consistent offensive threat for the Trojans. In multiple losses, he has been the lone bright spot, scoring 19 and 21 points in various matchups. His ability to create his own shot is elite, but he has often lacked the supporting cast to overcome UCLA's depth.
  • Aday Mara (UCLA): The 7-foot-3 center changed the geometry of the game in 2025. His rim protection forced USC to abandon high-percentage layups in favor of difficult floaters and kick-outs.
  • Alijah Arenas (USC): A rising star who led USC with 19 points in the late stages of the 2026 season, Arenas represents the future of the program and its best hope to break the current losing streak.

The Coaching Chess Match: Cronin vs. Musselman

The rivalry is as much about the sidelines as it is about the hardwood. Mick Cronin and Eric Musselman bring vastly different styles to the Big Ten.

Cronin’s approach is methodical and defensive-minded. He prioritizes discipline and "winning the turnover battle." His success against USC in recent years stems from his ability to prepare his squad for the emotional intensity of a rivalry game, often resulting in UCLA playing more composed basketball during critical stretches.

Musselman, on the other hand, is known for his high-energy, "punch first" mentality. He often treats road games with an underdog spirit, which has occasionally led to USC starting strong but fading in the second half. Musselman has noted that while the team plays with fire away from home, they have sometimes struggled with relaxation and focus at the Galen Center, a trend that UCLA has exploited ruthlessly.

The Big Ten Landscape and Future Outlook

The move to the Big Ten has added a layer of grueling travel and physical play that both teams are still adjusting to. UCLA’s 6th-place finish in 2026 suggests they have adapted more quickly to the rugged style of the Midwest-heavy conference. Their depth and defensive identity are well-suited for the "Big Ten grind."

USC is in a period of transition. While they have recruited high-level talent like Alijah Arenas, the lack of conference consistency has hampered their overall standing. For the Trojans to regain their footing in the rivalry, they must find a way to match UCLA’s defensive intensity and improve their shooting percentages, particularly in the second halves of games where they have historically struggled.

The "Battle for LA" is now a "Battle for the Big Ten." Every game between these two programs now carries weight not just for local pride, but for conference tournament seeding and NCAA Tournament resumes.

Summary of the USC-UCLA Basketball Rivalry (2025-2026)

The recent history of USC and UCLA basketball is defined by a clear hierarchy. UCLA has won the last four meetings, showing superior depth, tactical discipline, and shooting. While USC remains a threat due to their rebounding and individual talent like Wesley Yates III, the Bruins’ ability to execute under Mick Cronin has given them the definitive upper hand in the early years of the Big Ten era.

Date Winner Score Location
March 7, 2026 UCLA 89-68 Galen Center
February 24, 2026 UCLA 81-62 Pauley Pavilion
March 8, 2025 UCLA 90-63 Pauley Pavilion
January 27, 2025 UCLA 82-76 Galen Center

FAQ

Who won the last USC vs UCLA basketball game?

UCLA won the most recent game on March 7, 2026, with a score of 89-68. This game was played at the Galen Center and served as the regular-season finale for both teams.

What is the current winning streak in the USC-UCLA rivalry?

UCLA currently holds a four-game winning streak against USC. They swept the season series in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

How did UCLA and USC perform in their first Big Ten season?

In the 2025-26 season, UCLA finished with a 13-7 conference record and entered the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 6 seed. USC finished with a 7-13 conference record.

Where do USC and UCLA play their home games?

The USC Trojans play at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, while the UCLA Bruins play at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, Los Angeles.

Who are the head coaches for USC and UCLA basketball?

As of the 2025-26 season, Mick Cronin is the head coach for the UCLA Bruins, and Eric Musselman is the head coach for the USC Trojans.