At the same time the USC men were battling UCLA at the Pauley Pavilion, the Trojan women were hosting their cross-town rival at home at the Galen Center. UCLA trailed heavily throughout most of the game, but a late push by UCLA aided by five Trojan turnovers carried the Bruins to within two at 58-56 with only 68 seconds left on the clock. One free-throw later gave the Trojans a 59-56 lead.
Then with 10 seconds left on the clock, all hell broke loose: The plan was for UCLA’s Pluimer was to attempt a three-pointer from the left wing. USC’s Parker read the play and went in for the block. Parker batted it down and, with elbows flying, teammate Jaskowiak went after the ball. So did Pluimer. Jaskowiak got the ball, and as she cleared space, clocked UCLA’s Pluimer right below the eye. Pluimer flailed back and in moments a near brawl broke out. Both teams were pushing and shoving, and four players left the bench to break up the fight.
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In the end four players, Trojans Gemelos and Bruins Alexander, Brown and Morris were ejected from the game for leaving the bench. The officials had to stop the game for nearly twelve minutes to figure out how to continue the final 2.6 seconds. All the technical and personal fouls gave Jaskowiak five free throws, to give the Trojans the win 64-56.
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