UCLA defeated Southern California 82-76 on Monday night, led by 16 points from Eric Dailey Jr., 14 points from Sebastian Mack, who came off the bench, and a double-double from Aday Mara, who blocked five shots.
Three minutes into the match, UCLA took the advantage and never looked back. At the beginning of the second half, USC was behind by double digits. Before missing three of four free throws, the Trojans fought back and had a chance to reclaim the lead. With 1:54 remaining, Wesley Yates III made the second of two foul shots to pull USC within one point. With 1:37 remaining, Saint Thomas had a chance to take the lead but missed twice.
At the shot-clock buzzer, Mack responded with a 3-pointer and then made two free throws to help UCLA win.
The Bruins (15-6, 6-4 Big Ten Conference), who have won four straight after a four-game losing streak, added six rebounds from Dailey. Dylan Andrews finished with six assists and 12 points. Aday Mara recorded his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Trojans (12-8, 4-5) were paced by Rashaun Agee, who scored 21 points off the bench on 8 of 12 shots. Yates scored 19 points and nailed four 3-pointers. Thomas finished with six assists, eight rebounds, and thirteen points. Desmond Claude contributed six assists and 12 points.
Leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau (13.9 points per game) was sidelined for the Bruins’ most recent game after he hurt his ankle three minutes into a 65-60 victory over the Washington Huskies on the road.
On Thursday, UCLA will play the first of three consecutive home games against No. 16 Oregon. On Saturday, USC will visit Michigan State, ranked seventh.