JuJu Watkins and Lauren Betts set to headline 'sold out' showcase for highly anticipated 'Battle of LA': USC vs UCLA

JuJu Watkins and Lauren Betts will face off on Feb. 13 when the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins lock horns in the much-anticipated "Battle of LA." The Trojans hyped up that showdown on X/Twitter, posting that their rivalry game against the Bruins at Galen Center is officially sold out.

That isn't a complete surprise, though, as No. 4 USC and No. 1 UCLA are two of the hottest teams in the nation right now. The Bruins are the last remaining undefeated team in the Big Ten, having won each of their first 18 games. That includes a 77-62 win over South Carolina on Nov. 24, the only loss the Gamecocks have suffered this season.

JuJu Watkins and the Trojans are not far behind, though, with USC carrying a 17-1 record after its first 18 games. They have been unstoppable since losing to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Nov. 23, winning 13 consecutive games, including victories over top-10 teams such as the UConn Huskies and the Maryland Terrapins.

Comparing JuJu Watkins and Lauren Betts' numbers this 2024-25 NCAA season

Lauren Betts is the main reason UCLA has started the season 18-0, leading the Bruins in points, rebounds and blocks. She is 20th in the nation in scoring, averaging 20.0 points through 16 games. Betts is also 28th in the country in rebounding, averaging 9.9 boards.

UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (#51) looks on with USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (#12) during their NCAA basketball game on January 14, 2024 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo: Getty

Betts' defense is what sets her apart from other centers, though. She is fifth in the nation in blocks, averaging 2.8 per game this season. Betts displayed her incredible two-way play in UCLA's 72-57 win over No. 25 Baylor, recording 24 points, nine rebounds and a career-high nine blocks at Prudential Center on Monday night.

JuJu Watkins has also been playing impressive basketball for USC. She leads the Trojans in several statistical categories, including points, assists and steals. Watkins is third in the nation in scoring, averaging 25.3 ppg through 18 games. The sophomore guard only trails Florida State's Ta'Niya Latson and Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo in that department.

Watkins has scored at least 20 points in 17 of USC's first 18 games this season, including each of the Trojans' last 16 outings. She is coming off a 22-point showing in USC's 73-66 win over the Indiana Hoosiers. Watkins shot 6-for-16 from the field and 8-for-10 from the free throw line in that contest.

Who do you think will win the "Battle of LA" when the USC Trojans take on the UCLA Bruins? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.