LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nikola Vucevic scored 20 points to lead Southern California’s inside game and the Trojans defeated UCLA 63-52 Sunday night for their fourth straight win over their crosstown rival.
Alex Stepheson had 13 points and 16 rebounds playing his first game without the cast he had worn since breaking a bone in his left hand before the season. Jio Fontan added 10 points despite foul trouble for USC (10-6, 2-1 Pac-10).
Reeves Nelson scored 14 points and Jerime Anderson added 11 for UCLA (9-6, 1-2). Joshua Smith scored eight points playing much of the second half with four fouls.
The Trojans opened both halves with scoring bursts in front of a sellout home crowd that was notable for its small amount of UCLA fans.
USC has won six of its last eight games, holding each of those opponents to 40 percent shooting or worse. The Bruins hit 39 percent.
