In an impressive display of resilience, the USC Trojans women’s basketball team emerged victorious from their NCAA Tournament first-round match against the UNC Greensboro Spartans, winning decisively 71-25. This isn’t just a typical early game; it reflects the grit of the No. 1 seed Trojans, who are keen to make a deep tournament run. Star guard JuJu Watkins showcased her skills despite battling injuries throughout the match.
The game took place on March 22, 2025, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, where many fans came to cheer for their team. Although the Trojans had a rocky start, they quickly gained momentum in the second quarter, ultimately dominating the scoreboards. Watkins, however, was a focal point even with her injuries, which raised concerns for both fans and analysts alike.
Watkins, a standout guard and first-team All-American, began the game dealing with discomfort in her left hand—a slight wrist sprain or finger jam sustained in a battle for position early in the matchup. Nevertheless, she powered through it, leading her team with 22 points and eight rebounds. "I don't know," Watkins shared post-game about her injuries. "You know it’s the end of the season, body’s a little banged up. But on to the next…" This statement encapsulated her resolve, highlighting her commitment to pushing through the pain.
After the significant hand injury, which she later removed compression for during the second half, Watkins also rolled her ankle in the third quarter. This second injury only added to the tension surrounding her performance, making fans hold their breath every time she took a hard fall. Despite the discomfort, she exhibited her prowess on the court, once hitting a catch-and-shoot three-pointer shortly after hobbled away from a drive where she twisted her ankle.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb's sentiments before the match reflected the team’s mindset as they prepared for this tournament. After expressing frustrations over being assigned the fourth overall No. 1 seed, Gottlieb affirmed the need for her team to stay focused, declaring, "you've got to play the first game in front of you and earn your way from there and that’s what we’ll do." This mentality resonated throughout the game, and the Trojans indeed earned their victory.
The Trojans initially struggled offensively, facing strong defensive efforts from the Spartans. They led a mere 12-8 by the end of the first quarter, with turnovers hampering their rhythm. However, they didn’t let that deter them; they transformed their gameplay in the second quarter and significantly widened their lead to 28-11 by halftime.
USC's defense played a pivotal role, limiting UNC Greensboro to just five points during the entire third quarter while their own scoring surged. The final three quarters saw the Trojans putting on a display with aggressive plays and an overwhelming defense that left little to chance. Star forward Kiki Iriafen contributed significantly, maintaining her reputation as a sharp scorer and reliable playmaker.
The USC Trojans entered the game favored heavily to win with a 33.5-point spread, and they consistently showcased why throughout the matchup. Not only did the score reflect their dominance, but it also underscored their hope of advancing beyond this initial stage of the tournament. The victory allows them to advance to a matchup against the winner of California vs. Mississippi State on March 24, giving the team a minimal downtime to refocus.
As the calendar officially marks the beginning of March Madness, many hope to see more of Watkins and her impressive plays. Even with injuries, she has proven to be a top-tier player this season, making her average of 24.6 points per game all the more impressive. With each game, the stakes are elevated, and the Trojans will need all their best players healthy and performing at peak efficiency.
Looking ahead, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see the extent of Watkins's injuries, which she described as "small things" post-game. With the intense pace of the tournament, the next few days could be critical in determining her status for the upcoming match. As Watkins put it, basketball continues despite these challenges, reflecting the tournament’s nature as teams vie for glory and seek to make their mark amid the fiercest competition.
With stars like Watkins on their roster and a fire lit under them, the USC Trojans have set themselves on a path filled with potential, solidifying their reputation as contenders in this year’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament.
