Southern University led by as many as 21 points in the first half Wednesday night and held on to defeat the Tritons 68-56 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. UC San Diego’s season ended at 20-16 with only the Big West Tournament champion’s third loss in the last 12 games.

UC San Diego's Sumayah Sugapong (3) celebrates with teammates Gracie Gallegos, front left, and Sabrina Ma, center right, at the end of an NCAA college basketball game against UC Davis in the championship of the Big West Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill) AP

Reserve player Soniyah Reed scored 24 points to lead the Southern Jaguars (21-14) to victory over the UC San Diego Tritons (20-16), 68-56, in the NCAA Women's First Four play-in game at Pauley Pavillion in Los Angeles,