The Southern California Trojans emerged victorious against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a high-stakes women's college basketball game on Saturday night, thanks to a standout performance by Kiki Iriafen. USC, ranked seventh nationally, triumphed 84-63 over No. 8 Ohio State, showcasing their resilience despite a challenging night for their star player, JuJu Watkins.
In a match that tested their grit, the Trojans' offense initially struggled, missing their first seven shots and committing five turnovers within the opening five minutes. JuJu Watkins, who leads the Big Ten in scoring with an impressive average of 24.2 points per game, found herself in an unusual slump. She missed her first 11 shots before finally breaking the drought with a layup in the third quarter, a moment that brought the USC fans to their feet with cheers. Watkins concluded the game with 17 points and 10 rebounds, exhibiting her competitiveness despite shooting 5 for 21 from the field.
However, it was Kiki Iriafen who stole the spotlight with a commanding performance, delivering 24 points and 13 rebounds, significantly contributing to USC's sizable win. Her efforts were pivotal as the Trojans improved their record to 21-2 overall and 11-1 in the Big Ten conference.
The Buckeyes, led by Taylor Thierry with 14 points and Cotie McMahon's 13 points, started the game strong, even leading by five points early on. Yet, Ohio State faced difficulties maintaining their momentum, eventually being outscored 13-6 in a crucial phase before halftime, which left them trailing 34-26.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, USC's strategic adjustments on both ends of the court allowed them to pull ahead. The Trojans closed the third quarter with a commanding 9-2 run, extending their lead to 59-45. With Watkins adding five points to this crucial run and Kayleigh Heckel contributing four, USC fortified their stance heading into the final quarter.
USC now turns their attention to the upcoming intensity of a sold-out game against their crosstown rivals, No. 1 UCLA, on Thursday. It's imperative for Watkins to regain her shooting form and for the Trojans to minimize turnovers, especially considering their 23 turnovers against the Buckeyes, the second-highest count for them this season.
On the other hand, Ohio State, with a record of 20-3 overall and 9-3 in the Big Ten, will regroup in preparation to host Minnesota. Despite the adversity faced in LA, the Buckeyes aim to bounce back strongly in their next matchup.
USC's ability to overcome challenging circumstances and tap into their roster depth exemplifies their potential for future success. With a focus on refining their gameplay, particularly in handling turnovers and enhancing shooting accuracy, the Trojans are poised for more remarkable performances ahead.
