- JuJu Watkins records 31 points and 10 rebounds in her Big Ten Tournament debut
- Kiki Iriafen adds 21-point double-double as Trojans extend winning streak to eight games
- Indiana's Yarden Garzon shines with 23 points, hitting 5-of-6 three-pointers
- USC survives late scare to set up semifinal clash with Michigan
- Hoosiers solidify NCAA Tournament credentials despite quarterfinal exit
The No. 2-ranked USC Trojans demonstrated resilience Friday night, overcoming a persistent Indiana squad 84-79 in a thrilling Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal. In their first appearance in the conference tournament, freshman standout JuJu Watkins and forward Kiki Iriafen combined for 52 points and 20 rebounds, showcasing USC's offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.
Watkins, the nation's second-leading scorer among freshmen, delivered a career-defining performance with 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting. The 6-foot-2 guard dominated both ends of the court, converting critical three-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Her partnership with Iriafen, who contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds, marked the seventh time this season both players recorded double-doubles in the same game.
Indiana refused to relent, fueled by Yarden Garzon's sharpshooting. The sophomore guard drained five three-pointers and finished with 23 points, while teammate Shay Ciezki added 15 points. The Hoosiers' near-perfect 24-of-25 free-throw performance kept them within striking distance until the final minutes.
USC appeared poised to pull away late in the third quarter with a 13-4 run, but Indiana answered with a 9-2 surge to narrow the gap to 59-57. The Trojans rebuilt their lead early in the fourth behind back-to-back threes from Watkins and transfer guard Talia von Oelhoffen, stretching the advantage to 77-68 with 3:42 remaining.
The victory extends USC's winning streak to eight games and improves their record to 27-2. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised her team's composure: In tournament play, survival is the only objective. We made championship-level plays when it mattered most.
For Indiana, the loss snaps a two-game winning streak but reinforces their NCAA Tournament credentials. The Hoosiers (19-12) showcased their offensive efficiency, ranking top-15 nationally in free-throw accuracy. This performance proves we belong in March Madness,said coach Teri Moren.
Regional Spotlight: USC's third win in Indiana this season highlights their adaptability in hostile environments. The Trojans previously defeated Notre Dame and Purdue on the road, suggesting strong postseason preparedness despite being a West Coast team in Midwest tournaments.
Unique Insights:
- Watkins joins Lisa Leslie as only USC freshmen with multiple 30-point games
- Big Ten teams are 18-3 in home-state tournament games since 2022
- USC's 84 points mark their highest scoring output against a top-40 defense
USC advances to face Michigan in Saturday's semifinal, seeking their first Big Ten Tournament championship. The Wolverines enter fresh off a 98-71 rout of No. 15 Maryland, setting up a high-stakes clash of offensive juggernauts.
