HARTFORD, Conn. -- The USC Trojans, ranked No. 7, pulled off an upset against the fourth-ranked UConn Huskies, edging them 72-70 on Saturday night. This thrilling matchup was not only significant because it marked the first major test for USC after their previous loss to Notre Dame, but it was also a rematch of last season’s Elite Eight contest which UConn won.
JuJu Watkins was the star of the game, scoring 25 points and demonstrating her versatility on both ends of the court. She went head-to-head with UConn's standout guard, Paige Bueckers, who finished with 22 points. Their fierce competition was highlighted by dramatic plays, including Watkins blocking Bueckers' shot and then scoring at the opposite end by skillfully going through her legs, showcasing her skills against one of the best.
The match began with the Trojans establishing control and leading by as much as 18 points during the third quarter. They seemed poised for victory but faced intense pressure as UConn made their resurgence, shrinking the lead significantly. Still, USC held onto their composure during the nail-biting final stretch of the game.
With the score tied at 67, Watkins three-dimensionally involved her teammates, passing to Rayah Marshall for what turned out to be the game-winning layup with just over one minute remaining. After the Huskies failed to capitalize on their possession, Watkins was fouled. Though she missed her first free throw, she made the second, giving USC a 70-67 edge.
UConn responded with resilience. A quick basket from Sarah Strong brought them within one point just seconds later. With 19.5 seconds left, Watkins hit two free throws, pushing the score to 72-69. But then the drama peaked when Strong was fouled shooting a 3-pointer with just five seconds remaining on the clock. She made the first of her three chances at the line, setting up for a potentially tying moment, but strategically missed the second to reset for the last shot. Strong attempted to capitalize on the rebound and launched a desperate shot as time expired, but it missed its mark, sealing the victory for the Trojans.
This victory was critically important for USC, contributing to their season record of 11-1 and indicating resilience after their previous setback. Head coach of USC felt proud of his team's performance, especially how they maintained their composure under pressure. Meanwhile, UConn faced disappointment with their record of 10-2, marking their second defeat against top-ranked teams this season after their earlier loss to Notre Dame.
A key takeaway from the game is UConn’s struggles from beyond the arc, with the team only managing to convert 6 out of 23 attempts at three-point range, significantly hampering their chances for victory against solid defenses like USC's.
Looking forward, USC will host Michigan on December 29, which fans eagerly anticipate following this monumental win. Conversely, UConn prepares to clash with Providence on the same date, needing to regroup quickly to avoid falling behind as they head toward conference play.
This game not only showcased the prowess of standout players like Watkins and Bueckers but also highlighted the growing intensity of women's college basketball, where each matchup is brimming with skill, dedication, and potential upsets.
