The USC Trojans women's basketball team recorded a momentous victory against UConn, overcoming the No. 4 ranked team 72-70 on Saturday night at the XL Center, Hartford, Connecticut. This win marks USC's first-ever triumph over the storied UConn program and signifies their resilience and determination following their earlier setbacks this season.
The Women of Troy, now boasting an impressive 11-1 record, came out strong, leading for the majority of the game and at one point establishing an 18-point lead. Sophomore guard JuJu Watkins starred, scoring 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including nearly perfect free-throw shooting at 4-of-5. She also contributed six rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and one steal, demonstrating her all-around skill. Junior forward Kiki Iriafen supported her with 16 points and 11 rebounds, achieving her own double-double.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised her team's effort, particularly how they responded to losing their previous match against Notre Dame, which had been the team's only blemish until now. “When we lost to Notre Dame, it would have been really easy to blame people, to fracture apart, to listen to outside stuff. I said, 'Hey, as long as we stick together, this can make usbetter.'”
The game started on strong footing for USC, who gained momentum early with a nine-point lead by the end of the first quarter, pushing this to 14 points by halftime. UConn, known for their competitive edge and history of excellence under legendary coach Geno Auriemma, began to battle back later. Despite struggling early against USC's defense, which limited them to 35.5 percent shooting, the Huskies made significant efforts to close the gap, led by stars Paige Bueckers and freshman standout Sarah Strong. Bueckers finished the game with 22 points, going 9-of-22 from the floor, which showcased her formidable talent.
Gottlieb acknowledged the importance of the victory not just for the season but for the program's reputation. She emphasized the historical significance of facing UConn, stating, "This is what basketball excellence was. This is what we saw, and it's challenged all of us to want to bebetter." This sentiment echoes the aspirations of the USC women's basketball team as they strive to uphold their recent success following last season's Elite Eight run.
The Trojans maintained their composure as the game reached its climax. With just over two minutes left, UConn took the lead for the first time, 69-68, thanks to Strong’s layup. Nonetheless, USC answered swiftly, with Watkins hitting key shots down the stretch to reclaim the lead. A series of foul shots extended their margin, marking pivotal moments as both teams battled for supremacy.
The game concluded with dramatic tension, as Strong had the opportunity to tie the game with three foul shots with just seconds left but could only convert one. This led to Bueckers attempting to secure victory with one final three-point effort, which was unsuccessful against USC's resilient defense.
Reflecting on the game, Iriafen stated, “Even when things got hard, we were like, 'Just one stop, one stop.' I think that's the biggest improvement we've made from the [Notre Dame] game.” This mentality highlights USC's growth and determination to overcome challenges presented by elite competition.
While celebrating this signature win, the victory serves not only as validation of the team's potential but also sets up the Trojans as serious contenders moving forward. Fans and analysts alike have begun to take notice of USC’s potential as they enter the competitive stretch of the season. “This win lets people know we’re not just here for fun; we’re serious,” Watkins remarked.
The triumph over UConn is viewed as a pivotal point for the program, as it shifts expectations and aims to build on the momentum from this season toward future successes. With key players returning and new talents joining the roster, the future looks promising for the Women of Troy as they aim for continued success and perhaps another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
