LOS ANGELES (AP) — Donovan Dent scored 19 of his season-high 30 points in the first half, and UCLA defeated Southern California 81-62 on Tuesday night in a meeting of crosstown rivals trying to stay off the NCAA Tournament bubble.

Dent was the Bruins’ hero for a second straight game. The senior guard drove the length of the court in 4.9 seconds and scored at the buzzer in a 95-94 overtime win against No. 10 Illinois last weekend. The Bruins (19-9, 11-6) rallied from 23 points down in the first half to earn their second win over a Top-10 team this season.

Dent is the first Bruin to score 30 points against the Trojans since Aaron Holiday had 34 points on March 3, 2018, in an 83-72 win.

This time, Dent made a career-high five 3-pointers after not hitting any in his previous four games. Two of them beat the shot-clock buzzer as the Bruins improved to 16-1 at a sold out Pauley Pavilion. He also had seven assists and no turnovers in 37 minutes.

It was a costly loss for the Trojans (18-10, 7-10), who have dropped four in a row. They were led by Chad Baker-Mazara with 25 points. He tied his season high with five 3-pointers.

USC’s NCAA Tournament hopes had already taken a major hit with a 71-70 home loss to Oregon, next-to-last in the Big Ten. At least the Trojans are assured of making the league tournament, which is allowing all 18 teams to participate after limiting it to 15 previously.

The Trojans closed within six on Baker-Mazara’s three-point play midway through the second half. From there, the Bruins outscored the Trojans 26-13 to end the game.

The Bruins led 38-29 at halftime. Dent had 19 points in 18 minutes, making 6-of-9 field goals and all four of his 3-pointers.

Up next

USC: Hosts No. 12 Nebraska on Saturday.

UCLA: Visits Minnesota on Saturday.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer

Dent erupts for 30 as UCLA thumps USC 81-62 in crosstown showdown

Anthony Edwards scores 34, Timberwolves beat the Trail Blazers 124-121

Wendell Carter Jr. scores late winner in Magic’s 110-109 victory over slumping Lakers

Are expensive shampoos worth it? Here’s what the experts have to say

Sri Lanka police arrest former intelligence chief in connection with 2019 bombings

US military plane hits road barrier during Philippine training, injuring 5 personnel

Despite differences, China’s Xi and Germany’s Merz seek to deepen ties in turbulent times

Dejounte Murray returns to the NBA in triumph more than a year after a major injury

Army pilot wounded in Maduro raid gets Congressional Medal of Honor during Trump’s speech

More snow falls on the Northeast US, where huge piles remain from the last storm

Arkansas State wins 89-84 over Southern Miss

Colorado State knocks off Fresno State 74-70

Myers scores 34, San Jose State knocks off Air Force 86-80

As literacy rates lag, a pediatric hospital is screening for reading ability

Robinson, Edmonds lead TCU over Arizona State 90-78

Andrews’ 20 help Boise State knock off Wyoming 72-62

Bradley, Burries and No. 2 Arizona outlast Baylor 87-80 to take 2-game Big 12 lead with 3 to play

Pack leads balanced Oklahoma attack in commanding 91-79 win over Auburn

Rubio is set for talks in St. Kitts with Caribbean leaders unsettled by Trump policies

Jefferson scores 21 and Momcilovic breaks ISU record for 3s as No. 4 Cyclones beat Utah 75-59

Barrett scores career-high 28 points as Missouri beats No. 22 Tennessee 73-69

Reneau’s 23, Donaldson’s 21 lift Miami over Florida State 83-73

Nvidia prepares to release its quarterly results as AI fears weigh on the stock market

Johnson and UIC win 93-86 in OT against Bradley

No. 3 Michigan beats Minnesota 77-67, clinches at least share of 1st Big Ten title since 2021