In the end, Michigan just ran out of gas. Playing their third game in as many days, the Wolverines hung tough with top-seeded USC for three quarters Saturday before falling 82-70 in the Big Ten women’s tournament semifinals.

UCLA center Lauren Betts and her teammates used a five-day break to dissect their flaws, make a few fixes and recommit themselves to beating No. 2 Southern California — if they earned that chance at the Big Ten Tournament.

Michigan fell to UCLA following struggles on the mound, most clearly highlighted by three-time season starter sophomore pitcher Kurt Barr.

In Michigan's loss to UCLA, the Wolverines allowed many run with multiple early innings, resulting in their loss of confidence.

USC won both regular-season games, but after the last one, UCLA held a players-only film session to regroup. Can Bruins get revenge in title game?

Indianapolis — Kiki Iriafen scored 17 of her 25 points in the second half Saturday, JuJu Watkins added 20 points and each pulled down 11 rebounds to send No. 2 Southern California past fifth-seeded Michigan, 82-70, and into the Big Ten championship game.

Kiki Iriafen leads the top-seeded Trojans with 25 points and 11 rebounds in an 82-70 victory over the fifth-seeded Wolverines

After scoring 26 points in a Feb. 16 home loss to No. 20 Michigan, Royal did not make a field goal against Northwestern and finished with 4 points (all on foul shots) and four turnovers. At UCLA, he had 6 points on 2-of-5 shooting, making him 2 for 9 from ...

UCLA lost to USC twice in the regular season, but the Bruins ultimately lifted the trophy in the conference title game.

The Spartans are coming off a standout performance in Iowa last week at the Big Four Meet, outlasting the Iowa Hawkeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions and Washington Huskies. With the three victories, Michigan State has won six contests in a row, last losing to the UCLA Bruins in a big-time matchup a few weeks ago.