In a thrilling matchup on a chilly Saturday night in Hartford, the USC Trojans faced off against the UConn Huskies, resulting in a nail-biting 72-70 victory for USC. The Trojans, ranked seventh, avenged their earlier loss to the Huskies, who were seeded fourth, in a rematch filled with excitement and anticipation.
USC, led by standout player JuJu Watkins, established a comfortable lead in the first half, even extending it to 18 points shortly after halftime. However, UConn rallied back in the fourth quarter, managing to briefly take the lead. The tension mounted as the two teams exchanged narrow leads in the final minutes. Ultimately, Watkins connected with Rayah Marshall for a crucial go-ahead basket with just over a minute remaining, sealing the victory for USC.
Watkins shone brightly, scoring 25 points, while UConn’s Paige Bueckers and freshman Sarah Strong each contributed 22 points for their team. Impact transfer Kiki Iriafen further bolstered USC’s performance with an impressive stat line of 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Watkins’ achievement was noteworthy, making her the first player in the last 15 seasons to register a 25-5-5-3 stat line against an Associated Press top-five opponent on the road.
Following the victory, a sense of accomplishment reverberated in the USC camp. Watkins expressed the significance of the win considering last year’s outcome, while Coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the prestige of UConn’s program and how the win could signify a turning point for USC this season.
The Trojans have shown resilience, learning from their solitary loss earlier in the season to Notre Dame. With fresh energy from returning player Kennedy Smith and an established team dynamic, USC aims for continued success in the 2024-25 season.
In light of recent challenges and competitions, this victory serves as a promising beacon for the USC program, showcasing their determination and skill against a historically dominant UConn team. The excitement surrounding women’s basketball continues to grow, as athletes like Watkins prove that with access to the proper platforms, they can captivate audiences and demonstrate their prowess on the court. This triumph could be seen as a stepping stone toward realizing their championship aspirations this season.