In a nail-biting encounter, No. 7 USC edged out No. 4 UConn 72-70 in a top-10 women's basketball showdown. JuJu Watkins led USC with 25 points, while UConn's Paige Bueckers scored 22. Despite UConn's second-half rally, USC held firm to secure their first-ever win over UConn in program history. The game was marked by intense competition and strategic plays, with both teams showcasing their star players. The victory was a significant achievement for USC, highlighting their resilience and skill on the court.
In a highly anticipated women's basketball clash, the No. 7 USC Trojans narrowly defeated the No. 4 UConn Huskies 72-70. The game was a rematch of last season's Elite Eight contest and featured two of the sport's brightest stars, Paige Bueckers of UConn and JuJu Watkins of USC. Played in front of a sold-out crowd at Hartford's XL Center, the match lived up to its billing as a thrilling encounter between two top-ranked teams.
The game began with USC taking an early lead, scoring the first nine points and ending the first quarter ahead 24-15. USC maintained their momentum into the second quarter, extending their lead to 42-29 by halftime. JuJu Watkins was instrumental in USC's early success, scoring 15 points in the first half. The Trojans' defensive strategy forced UConn to rely heavily on perimeter shots, which they struggled to convert [1].
Despite trailing by as much as 18 points in the third quarter, UConn mounted a fierce comeback led by Paige Bueckers. The Huskies went on a 10-0 run to cut USC's lead to six points, with Bueckers and Sarah Strong contributing crucial baskets. UConn eventually took their first lead of the game with just over four minutes remaining [2]. However, USC's defense remained strong, and they managed to hold off UConn's late surge.
In the final moments, JuJu Watkins played a pivotal role in securing USC's victory. With the game tied at 67, Watkins assisted Rayah Marshall for a crucial basket that gave USC a lead they would not relinquish. Watkins then hit two free throws to extend the lead to 72-69. UConn had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, but Sarah Strong's last-second shot missed, allowing USC to clinch a historic win [3].
USC's victory over UConn was a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess. JuJu Watkins' standout performance, combined with strategic defense and timely scoring, enabled the Trojans to overcome UConn's late rally. This win marks USC's first-ever victory over UConn and sets a positive tone for their upcoming games. Meanwhile, UConn will look to regroup and address the challenges faced in this matchup as they continue their season.
"USC's ball movement was too quick to keep up with and their length too much to defend." - CT Insider
"Watkins' two tosses from the stripe with 20 seconds on the clock gave USC a 72-69 lead." - USC Trojans