The USC Trojans women's basketball team achieved a stunning upset on Saturday night, defeating the UConn Huskies 72-70 at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. This victory marked the first time USC has triumphed over UConn in program history, with standout performances from JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen making headlines.
Less than a year after UConn eliminated USC from the NCAA tournament during the Elite Eight, the Trojans stepped onto the court fueled by determination and the desire for revenge. They came out strong; USC started the game with vigor, performing remarkably well against the fourth-ranked Huskies.
The game saw JuJu Watkins, the sophomore sensation, shine brightly as she put up 25 points, along with six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, dominating the court and showcasing her status as one of college basketball's best.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb stressed the importance of this win, emphasizing its significance not just for the team but also for USC's aspirations to build its own elite program, similar to UConn's storied history. "This is a really significant win... what Geno Auriemma has done for our sport," she stated.
The game had its competitive moments early on, as USC established control with strong offensive plays and adept passing. The Trojans notched up impressive points early, much unlike their performance against Notre Dame four weeks ago, where they struggled offensively. The first half saw USC taking a commanding 42-29 lead at halftime, thanks to their aggressive play and effective scoring strategies.
Key contributions came not just from Watkins but also from Kiki Iriafen, who dropped 16 points and secured 11 rebounds. Her ability to facilitate plays, recording six assists against UConn's defensive pressure, was pivotal. "Her passing could make it much harder for opponents to guard USC in the future," remarked one analyst.
UConn was not without its own stars; Paige Bueckers, the standout redshirt senior guard, tallied 22 points but faced rigorous defense throughout the match. Despite UConn narrowing USC's lead at various points, including trailing by only one possession with less than five minutes left, the Huskies fell short amid late-game challenges.
The last minutes of the game were fraught with tension; Watkins stepped up when it mattered most, hitting clutch free throws down the stretch. "It hit a little different knowing the history from last year and how they sent us home," Watkins reflected after the game, recognizing the weight of the victory.
Despite UConn's valiant efforts to stage a comeback, including significant contributions from Sarah Strong who managed 22 points and 13 rebounds, missed opportunities at the free-throw line hindered their chances to claim the game. A frustrated Bueckers defended her teammate's performance stating, "Just to be clear, this game was not won or lost with those three free throws," and underscoring Strong's impact on the game.
Gottlieb's emotional response to the win showed her commitment to building USC as more than just contenders but as serious competitors on the national stage. Her reflections about the atmosphere at the XL Center, packed with nearly 16,000 fans, echoed the excitement surrounding the matchup, which had been highly anticipated since the season began.
Walking away with the victory helped solidify USC's profile as contenders for the national championship this season, enhancing their resume significantly. The win improved their season record to 11-1—one loss on the season against Notre Dame. With this result, the Trojans are not only surging forward but also gaining momentum as they look to secure key spots and seeds for the NCAA tournament.
While USC celebrated, UConn's fate now hangs under scrutiny, evaluating how this upset will affect their standing and ranking moving forward. The Huskies will look to rebound against Providence next week, with strides needed to avoid repeating Sunday’s mistakes.
The contrasting journeys of these two teams continue as USC prepares for their next game against Michigan, which could serve as another significant matchup as they navigate their new membership within the Big Ten Conference. UConn’s path will certainly be closely followed as well due to their potential to bounce back, as they are known for recovering and performing well under pressure.
This win for the Trojans underscored their potential and showcased their depth as they prepare to face increasingly challenging competition going forward. The college basketball world is abuzz, excited to see how both teams will respond as the season progresses and the NCAAW tournament looms on the horizon.
