In an exhilarating matchup that mirrored their previous encounter in the 2024 NCAA tournament, the USC Trojans triumphed over the UConn Huskies with a narrow 72-70 victory in Hartford, Connecticut. This much-anticipated clash not only showcased the talents of JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers, two of women’s basketball’s premier stars, but also allowed USC to exact a measure of revenge for their earlier defeat.
The Trojans, ranked No. 7, came out strong, establishing a commanding lead that swelled to 18 points early in the second half. However, the fourth-ranked Huskies staged a remarkable comeback, taking a brief lead before the game tightened in the final moments. In a pivotal play with just over a minute left, Watkins assisted Rayah Marshall for the go-ahead basket, sealing the win for USC and marking their first significant victory of the season.
Watkins was the standout performer, amassing 25 points, alongside 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. Her impressive performance established her as the only player in the last 15 seasons to achieve a 25-5-5-3 stat line against a top-five opponent on the road. Reflecting on the match, Watkins expressed her excitement about playing in front of a robust crowd and emphasized the importance of the victory in the context of their rivalry.
UConn’s Bueckers and standout freshman Sarah Strong each contributed 22 points for the Huskies, showcasing the star power on display throughout the evening. Despite UConn’s strong effort, including a failing final possession that saw Strong nearly tie the game at the free-throw line, they ultimately fell short.
The win marks a significant moment for USC and signifies the program’s ongoing revival under Coach Lindsay Gottlieb, particularly following an impressive performance last year. With a well-rounded team composition—featuring impactful freshmen and key transfers—the Trojans are poised for a strong season ahead.
“This victory is crucial not only because it puts us on the map against a historical program like UConn, but also as an indicator of our growth as a team,” Gottlieb said, highlighting the importance of the win for their confidence and future aspirations.
This match has underscored that women’s basketball continues to thrive when provided a prominent platform, indicative of the growing excitement and support for the sport. With teams like USC pushing boundaries and competing fiercely, the future looks bright for women’s basketball.
Overall, this game serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams, setting the stage for a highly competitive season filled with thrilling encounters.