In a thrilling rematch, No. 7 USC triumphed over No. 4 UConn with a narrow 72-70 victory at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. This victory served as sweet revenge for USC after losing to UConn in last season’s NCAA tournament. In a packed arena of nearly 16,000 fans, standout player JuJu Watkins scored 25 points, leading her team to their first significant win of the season.
The game began with USC establishing dominance, even holding an 18-point lead early in the third quarter. However, UConn, featuring the notable talents of Paige Bueckers and freshman Sarah Strong, mounted a comeback, briefly taking the lead in the fourth quarter. During the tense final minutes, Watkins made a pivotal assist to Rayah Marshall, who scored the deciding basket with just over a minute left on the clock.
Not only did Watkins shine with her scoring, but she also showcased impressive stats: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. This performance marked a remarkable achievement—she became the only player in the last 15 seasons to post such stats against a top-five opponent on the road. Complementing her efforts, transfer Kiki Iriafen contributed significantly with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.
USC’s head coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, emphasized the importance of the victory, noting that it highlights the strength of UConn’s program, which has a storied history in women’s basketball. As USC continues to build on this momentum with a strong freshman class and a deep roster, there is optimism for what the rest of the season holds.
Moreover, the successful return of freshman Kennedy Smith, who had been sidelined, marked an enhancement to the team’s depth and performance. USC’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 16 three-pointers, further proved their offensive prowess compared to UConn’s 6 of 23.
UConn’s coach, Geno Auriemma, acknowledged his team’s second-half resurgence but expressed disappointment with their first-half execution. As the team looks to rebound from this close loss, Auriemma highlighted the potential of standout freshman Sarah Strong, who showed promise during tense moments of the game.
This match showcased not only the competitive spirit of two of the nation’s top programs but also the bright future of women’s college basketball, with players like Watkins and Strong stepping into the spotlight. Moving forward, both teams have lessons to learn and improvements to make, but they are undoubtedly poised for exciting challenges ahead in the season.