- Freshmen Kennedy Smith (19 points) and Avery Howell (18 points) step up in absence of injured star JuJu Watkins
- USC overcomes 28-8 Kansas State with critical 12-0 third-quarter surge
- Trojans advance to Elite Eight rematch against UConn's Paige Bueckers
In a gritty Sweet 16 performance, the USC women's basketball team demonstrated championship resilience by defeating Kansas State 67-61 despite losing superstar JuJu Watkins to an ACL injury. The victory propels the Trojans to their first Elite Eight appearance since 1994, setting up a high-stakes rematch against reigning champions UConn.
Freshman guards Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell combined for 37 points, filling the 27-point-per-game void left by Watkins. We're playing for JuJu and the legacy she's helped build here,Smith stated post-game. The duo's defensive intensity held Kansas State's All-American center Ayoka Lee to 12 points - 8 below her season average.
USC's decisive 12-0 third-quarter run flipped a 39-34 deficit into a 46-39 lead they never relinquished. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the team's adaptability: Our identity isn't one player. Today showed we can win through defense and collective execution.The Trojans forced 14 turnovers while committing just 6, a key factor against the disciplined Wildcats.
The victory highlights a growing NCAA tournament trend of teams thriving after star injuries. Last season, South Carolina reached the Final Four without All-SEC guard Zia Cooke. Adversity reveals character,noted ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo during the broadcast. USC's freshmen are proving elite programs need depth, not just star power.
Kansas State's Serena Sundell (22 points) nearly engineered a comeback, cutting USC's lead to 60-59 late in the fourth quarter. However, Smith's clutch free throws and Rayah Marshall's 10 rebounds sealed the win. The Wildcats finish 28-8 - their best record since 2002.
USC's emotional sideline dynamics underscored the team's unity. Players passed around a JuJu dollwith Watkins' signature bun hairstyle during timeouts. Post-game celebrations included a video call with the recovering star. She's our heartbeat,said Howell. This run proves our culture goes beyond any individual.
The Trojans now face their toughest test - a rematch against UConn, who eliminated them in 2023's Sweet 16. With Paige Bueckers averaging 28 PPG this tournament, USC's defense must maintain its Spokane Arena intensity. Tipoff is Monday at 6 PM ET on ESPN.