USC Triumphs in Tight Battle, Advances in Big Ten Tournament

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March 7, 2025

Indiana Hoosiers vs #1 USC Trojans MAR 07 — Women’s Basketball Tournament Indiana Hoosiers vs #1 USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indianapolis, IN – In their first-ever Big Ten Tournament appearance, the USC Trojans took a major step toward championship glory, defeating the Indiana Hoosiers 84-79 in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Hoosiers came out strong, energizing the crowd with early baskets, but the Trojans quickly regained control after a strategic timeout late in the first quarter. USC’s star guard JuJu Watkins set the tone, scoring effortlessly and dominating defensively, while forward Kiki Iriafen provided a powerful double-double performance.

The dynamic duo led USC, who took the first-quarter lead and never looked back, ultimately securing the win to kick off their quest for a Big Ten title in their inaugural season.

TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Indiana Hoosiers vs #1 USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Basketball in March—there’s nothing quite like it! The intensity, the passion, the stakes. As the first half unfolded in this highly anticipated Big Ten Tournament matchup, the Lady Trojans controlled the opening of the game, leading as they headed into the second quarter. But the Lady Hoosiers weren’t backing down. Indiana made several runs, keeping USC on their toes with balanced scoring contributions from Sydney Parrish, Yarden Garzon, and Chloe Moore-McNeil.

However, it was USC’s star guard, JuJu Watkins, who stole the spotlight, leading all scorers with 16 points, shooting 5-of-11 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Both teams dominated the paint, with USC finishing 7-of-11 inside in the first half, while Indiana worked the inside game as well with 14 points. The Trojans’ defense was active, forcing turnovers and keeping the Hoosiers at bay.

With both teams battling fiercely, it was clear this game was shaping up to go down to the wire. This rematch—following USC’s thrilling 73-66 victory over Indiana back in mid-January, where they overcame an 11-point deficit—was bound to deliver another heart-pounding showdown.

Tied up with just 8 minutes remaining, this game was everything we expected it to be—a back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Indiana’s defense, relentless since the second quarter, kept the momentum on their side, but when it came time to make a play, JuJu Watkins delivered. Her transition game is a thing of beauty—coast to coast, weaving through defenders like they were standing still. A foul and a bucket later, JuJu was back at the line with 3:10 left, putting the Lady Trojans up 53-48.

The dynamic duo of JuJu and Kiki Iriafen was a combo the Hoosiers just couldn’t seem to solve. But Shay Ciezki and Yarden Garzon weren’t about to let the game slip away. Ciezki’s big 8 points in the quarter and Garzon’s clutch shots—especially a huge 3-pointer just before the buzzer—kept the Hoosiers alive. Heading into the final stretch, USC led 59-57. This was March basketball at its finest—intense, high-stakes, and full of drama.

“This is March basketball,” said USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “Both of those teams are great teams, and we’re going to have to come and win every possession. I’ve told the team a number of times, we get no bonus points for being the regular season champs. We get no bonus points for what we did yesterday, but we can derive from the success we’ve had what it is that makes us good. That you can carry forward with you all the time no matter what the circumstance presents. But we’re playing really good basketball teams from here on out, and we’ve got to be ready to go no matter which team it is.”

With the intensity of March Madness ahead, Gottlieb knows her squad must stay focused and ready for any challenge that lies ahead.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, Indiana kept fighting, with Garzon hitting big buckets, including another crucial 3-pointer to keep it close. After a 13-4 run by USC gave the Trojans a 55-48 lead late in the third, it seemed like they might pull away, but the Hoosiers clawed their way back to within 59-57 heading into the final period. USC responded with a 9-3 spurt to extend their lead to 71-63 with 5:15 left, but Indiana wouldn’t go down without a fight, cutting the deficit to 71-68.

However, back-to-back 3-pointers from Talia von Oelhoffen and JuJu Watkins put USC firmly in control, extending the lead to its largest of the game. Despite Watkins picking up back-to-back fouls and an awkward fall, she showed true resilience, getting back up like a champion. At 6:06, she made a perfect pass to Avery Howell for a 3-point splash, while Kennedy Smith’s defensive steal and score pushed the lead further. With USC’s offense firing on all cylinders, including several key 3-pointers in the fourth, the Trojans took control of the game.

Coach Lindsey, named Big Ten Women’s Coach of the Year, and JuJu, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors, were recognized during the game—an emotional moment for the team. Kiki Iriafen, who fouled out with less than a minute to go, finished with a double-double—21 points and 10 rebounds. Smart free-throw shooting and solid play from USC secured their 84-79 victory, with JuJu leading the way with 31 points, 10 boards, and an impressive 10-of-13 from the free-throw line.

Now, with the win, the Lady Trojans are headed to the next round of the Big Ten Tournament, where they’ll face the winner of Michigan vs. Maryland tomorrow at 3 p.m.

Deja Ju, Another big game by JuJu Watkins as No. 4 USC sweep No.2 UCLA to clinch Big 10 title

By

Charle' Moore

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March 1, 2025

Westwood, CA – No. 4 USC jumped out to a 9-0 run at the sold out Pauley Pavilion arena, finishing how they started the game to defeat this time a No. 2 UCLA on their home court, 80-67, for a regular season sweep to become Big 10 regular season champs. JuJu Watkins came with a national player type performance according to her coach, scoring 23 points in the first half at ease against multiple Bruins, motivating her teammates to keep fighting to get their 16th conference win with only one loss to Iowa, making them overall 27-2, an almost identical record to UCLA (28-2, 15-2), whom only two losses of the season came from Women of Troy.

“Credit to USC they were tougher,” UCLA Coach Cori Close lamented. “They were more disciplined and did their jobs.”

Watkins did her job plus put in some “OT” with a 30 points finish while she found extra motivation for the local crosstown rivalry and from her teammates especially when three of the five starters got into early foul trouble.

“We’re really proud to be the Big 10 regular season champs,” Coach Lindsay Gottleib said. “But I think mostly the way we won shows the growth of our team as it literally took everyone, a team effort for UCLA is as good as advertised.”

Women of Troy went up by 11, leading 15-4, midway through first quarter, one of their big scoring runs throughout the game as they led the entire game. Coach Close illustrated during the postgame press conference while overwhelmed with emotions what she saw her team play like paper that she waddled up into a ball without saying they played like garbage or trashing them as she summed up the dichotomy of their season with team accomplishments.

“We had to be better to beat them twice and to be the champs,” Coach Gottleib said. “I am very lucky to have these two [Watkins and KiKi Iriafen] and I think their mentality was the differentiator.”

Watkins and Iriafen continued their dynamic duo play, both splitting halves for their best outing, yet shining the spotlight on their other teammates’ efforts like shooting as a team close to 50% for the game.

“I’m confident the work will speak for itself, “ Watkins said. “Long as we stick to the process, we’ll see success.”

As Watkins and Iriafen lifted up their teammates, Hall of Famer and former Women of Troy, avid game supporter, Cheryl Miller took moments during the game to directly cheer on Watkins or Iriafen while accompanied by her little brother and UCLA legend, NBA hall of famer, Reggie Miller.

“It means so much just knowing the history of it all,” Watkins said. “When we come here, we make sure we seize the opportunity.”

Women of Troy found themselves up at halftime, 46-32, while UCLA assisted 17 of those points with 11 turnovers. Watkins also had two big steals in the first half to go along with efficient shooting, 8-13, including four triples, after opening the game with a top of the key three-pointer to set the tone.

“It [crowd chants] definitely fired me up,” Watkins said. “I knew when I air-balled, I couldn’t help but smile because I knew everybody would go crazy.”

Watkins not new to crowds opposing her like this, did not seem to let the noise stop her from shooting and smiling or driving thru Bruin defenders as she nearly repeated her previous performance, adding to her 30 points and two steals with five assists, three blocks, two of those blocks on back to back defensive stops, then afterwards staring down in the baseline camera to silence a rowdy Bruin home crowd.

“It feels great for my seniors, Rayah and Clarice, “ Iriafen said. “Winning in Pauley since they hadn’t won here before, made it extra special and we wanted to win the Big 10 Championship.”

Iriafen didn’t go away quietly after playing less than ten minutes in the first half due to foul trouble. She came out in the second half off with that pinup energy, dominating UCLA’s front court with a near double-double at the end of the game, scoring 17 points and nine boards.

“To be a star player and sit for along time with three fouls then respond with a big second half” Coach Gottlieb said is an example of Iriafen’s mental toughness.

Bruins’ Coach Close felt Women of Troy played tougher despite doubling the number of fouls committed by Bruins, but UCLA did not capitalize, missing half of their free throw attempts while shooting 36 percent from the field.

UCLA’s KiKi Rice led her team with 16 points, making 10-11 from the charity stripe. Junior Lauren Betts racked up a washed out double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds and Junior Londynn Jones contributed late in the game getting a few breakaways to finish with 12 points.

“I think we are a really good defensive team,” Coach Gottlieb said. “I think everyone compliments each other on the defensive end and buys into it.”

USC played championship defense similar to their first matchup, holding UCLA in second quarter to 12 points and never trailing or letting them score over 20 points in second half.

UCLA came close within four points to open the third quarter on a massive run, outscoring USC 18-19, but USC countered their run to close the quarter and be up, 64-51.

“We weren’t disciplined or tough and we didn’t do our jobs, Coach Close said. “We’re going to have to take some real hard looks in the mirror.”

Both teams will likely remain in top five and take the next couple of days off as they received a double bye for upcoming Big 10 conference tournament in Indiana.

No. 4 USC’s Senior Day celebrates starting from the bottom and now on top 4 years later after Big10 win over No. 25 Illinois

By

Charle' Moore

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February 23, 2025

JG6A0301 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

KiKi Iriafen and JuJu Watkins scored 22 points apiece, celebrating Senior Day with a sweet start to the week to begin sending off five Seniors of No. 4 USC’s team in their second to last regular season game by winning over the No. 25 Illinois,76-66, in their first-ever meeting on Sunday at Galen Center. Watkins and Iriafen double-figure scoring was no surprise for the dynamic duo have done it all season, but senior Rayah Marshall gave a breakout performance and posted another career double-double to secure her team with another Big 10 victory improving to 15-1 in their conference, 25-2 overall as Illinois falls to
21-7,11-6.

“For Rayah doing nothing out of character, this is what we call Juicy Rayah,” USC’s coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “12 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, four steals, this is what was the catalyst for us to keep going,”

Three other Seniors besides Iriafen and Marshall—Talia Von Oelhoffen, Clarice Akunwafo, and Dominique Darius also received their flowers during pregame for being a part of Coach Gottlieb’s plan to return to USC women’s basketball program from the bottom when she came 4 years ago to now at the top of their newly joined conference within their first year.

“Illinois is a really good team, and I thought the difference was our energy level,” Gottlieb said. “Led by Rayah and KiKi, when we needed to, we just turned up our juice.”

Gottlieb marked this Senior class as good because “everyone likes them and feeds off them.” Playing in their last regular season home game, an energized crowd fed off and liked how this game started with USC’s high-efficiency 1st quarter shooting while both teams hit multiple threes in the first quarter to keep the scoring margin close.

“Kiki has really over the last couple of weeks found her stride and confidence with her level of upgradability,” coach Gottlieb said,

By the 2nd quarter, both teams went ice cold from shooting, scoring only 14 points in the period. Trojans shot 51.6 percent for the 1st half while shooting 67 percent in the first quarter and Illinois not trailing far, shot 48.4 percent. The Women of Troy and Fighting Illini were almost head to head in rebounding, but it was USC’s first half-defensive effort consisting of five blocks, 4 steals, and Illini’s 7 turnovers that advantaged USC with a 4-point lead, 40-36, into halftime.

The 1st and 3rd quarters made the difference for USC as Illinois was able to match them in scoring the 2nd and 4th. Even with no depth and only playing seven players, 3 of them playing the entire game, Illinois was able still to keep even on the boards, at 38 apiece, while shooting 41.5 percent behind USC’s 42.4 percent for the game.

Fifth-year Senior guard, Genesis Bryant, finished with 22 points, shooting 50 percent from threes, and 100 percent from the free throw line. Freshman Kendall Boston added 18 points and 16 rebounds to go along with five assists while Freshman Berry Wallace contributed 14 points.

Both teams were exchanging baskets in the beginning with multiple ties and lead changes. Illinois eventually went ahead off a three-point play, prompting USC to call a timeout then hit back with a poised top-of-the-key 3-pointer from freshman Kennedy Smith followed by Watkins and Iriafen grinding out baskets to go on a 9-0 run. Illinois refusing to quit or lay down, fought back with a defensive stop and bucket.

Then freshman Avery Howell checked in and immediately provided instant offense with a triple. Next Watkins came afterward with her three-pointer to stretch the lead, to 24-15.

Illinois hit a shot at the buzzer of the first quarter after holding USC to score only 2 points in the last two minutes, while ending the first quarter, USC 26 to 22.

Starting the second, like they started the first with exchanging baskets before Smith hit an off-the-backboard three-pointer to rally up her team on a 7-0 USC run, pushing the lead back up 37-26.

Once again, Illinois ended the second like the first with their own run to close the half only down by 4, 40-36.

Even though Illinois was the team with only a 7-girl rotation, it was USC playing the opposite of how they started the game with hot shooting, instead missing their first seven shot attempts allowing Illinois to reach for a second wind and tie the score at 40 with only two minutes passing in the quarter. Then Illinois
seized a quick lead after USC free throw before relinquishing it back to them “I think this is what we signed up for as student-athletes. We want this limelight and attention in positive
way,” Marshall said.

Marshall fueled a 6-0 USC run, scoring back-to-back buckets from a steal of her own before Watkins hit a go-ahead basket midway in the 3rd for a 47-42 score.

“Last year she [Rayah] embraced a generational talent and this year getting KiKi she embraced her to help get this program on another level, “ Coach Gottlieb said about Marshall. “1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds is very impressive but I think what I’ll remember about her most is getting this program to another level.”

USC went on a 6-0 run once regaining the lead followed by an Illinois’ score. Then Iriafen continued with making another midrange jumper like the ones that she hit throughout the game in the final minute to take her team’s lead back up to double-digits, 57-47 as the third quarter came to an end.

Freshmen Kayleigh Heckel came off the bench to give USC some unmatched energy for a seemingly fatigued Illinois small-depth team, with some denial passing that led to a steal followed by a top of the key 3 pointer to give her team a 66-52 lead close to midway through the 4th. Illinois made seven 3-pointers for the game, landing three in just over two minutes to bring the margin to 74-66 with close to 1:00 remaining on the clock.

In the final minute, Watkins made her way to the free throw line putting icing on the cake while celebratory substitutions for Women of Troy Senior Dominique Darius and a couple of freshmen who often don’t get minutes in the game lined up around the free throw line as they watched their sophomore superstar teammate make both of her free throws to button up the game at 76-66, USC topping Illinois.

“I’m excited to get this win for our Seniors, now moving forward every game is like a championship,” coach Gottlieb said. “The stakes are higher.”

USC’s final regular-season matchup will be against crosstown rivalry UCLA perhaps a vengeance game for them since Women of Troy claimed the first one at their home. This game will be at Pauley Pavilion, on Saturday, 6 pm.

Battle in the Big Ten, USC defeat’s Michigan St

By

Charle' Moore

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February 20, 2025

JG6A8276 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA- No. 4 USC played for more than a big win against No. 22 Michigan State,83-65, as they donned their special home white and pink uniforms to honor legendary coach Kay Yow’s cancer awareness initiative while supporting teammate and local ambassador, senior Rayah Marshall.

Marshall’s Southern California native teammates, JuJu Watkins and KiKi Iriafen, both acknowledged Marshall as inspiration for scoring big off the court in giving back to help such causes while the dynamic duo scored huge for a combined 52 points to beat another Big Ten nationally ranked conference opponent.

“It’s always a privilege to play for something bigger than yourself,” USC Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “To have this be our play for Kay game is big for us, and if you don’t know, we call it our Ray for Kay game.”

USC (24-2, 14-1) opened with a big lead on a 13-2 run during the first quarter and held a 10-point lead over Michigan State (19-7, 9-6) into halftime, 41-31. The Women of Troy shot 40 percent from the floor and was just as efficient from the free throw line, going 14-of-18 in a physical first half resulting in a free throw fest.

“Kiki and JuJu are the best duo and they played like it tonight,“ Gottlieb acknowledged her big-time star players. “We got great contribution across the board, but turned it over too many times in the fourth.”

The Spartans shot 32.3 percent and ahead on rebounds 21-19 in the first half. However, USC made a big turnaround in the second half to finish out with 45, eight more than Michigan State. Both teams turn their defensive pressure up, forcing turnovers and high-percentage baskets in transition with both teams shooting over 40 percent for the game.

“Who wouldn’t want to play with KiKi when all you have to do is give her the ball and she creates her own shot,” Watkins said about her big partner this season. “She motivates our team to be competitive and gives a lot of energy on both ends of the court.”

Watkins herself got caught into a concerned position after some kind of entanglement with her neck during an altercation near the free throw line that sent her immediately back to their locker room for a brief moment before returning to the game.

“Yeah my neck, I got it tied up,” Watkins described. “I was a little bit shocked but then I was fine.”

Watkins and Iriafen, the team’s dynamic duo, extended their streak of both scoring in double figures. Watkins, ended with 28 points and another double-double from Iriafen, amassing 24 points and 10 boards despite accruing 6 turnovers late in the game. Freshman Kennedy Smith added 13 points, while Marshall grabbed 12 rebounds.

Grace VanSlooten led Michigan State with a season-high, 29 points, and Julia Ayrault scored 16 points plus picked up 10 boards while Theron Hallock gave the Spartans 12 points for three players to show up on the stat sheet in double digits.

USC took a 13-point lead in the first two minutes of the second half, 48-35. Followed up by back-to-back buckets from Iriafen driving to the rim, then an outside corner three from Smith to maintain that 13-point margin midway through the third.

Freshmen backup point Kayleigh Heckel came off the bench for a big spark on offense as well as break down the Spartans’ 2nd half full-court pressure after USC went up 17 points.

Yet Michigan State wasn’t going away that easy forcing the freshmen and a few turnovers to fuel a big run that forced USC to call a quick timeout as coach Gottlieb watched her team unravel a little bit with their lead dwindling down towards the end of the third quarter.

Another USC freshman off the bench, Avery Howell, put a stop to another late run of Michigan State after a set play out of a timeout manifested into a Howell triple, followed by a turnover through a steal and quick transition left-handed layup from Smith. This series of plays built up a bigger lead to make the score, 69-49 before the Spartans again hit a last-second basket entering the fourth.

“For a freshman to come in and be a vocal presence consistently, I think is a special quality,” Coach Gottlieb speaking about Howell. “She gives us huge minutes and we can’t get where we want to go unless everyone is contributing in a way that they can…”

The Spartans eventually kept into their full-court press zone, causing USC problems with scoring for the first five minutes of the fourth, before Marshall stopped the bleeding with a breakaway layup down the middle to put her team up 14, 72-58. The Spartans found another wind, and it was a six-point game at 74-68 with 4:00 left.

USC shot back again with a little shake-n-bake crossover by Smith followed by a nifty move from Watkins to snatch the momentum for good with 2:45 remaining, to go up 78-68. The Spartans made a final push, looking to stretch the game in its final minutes, but the Trojans called it with their big guards stepping up big to battle at the end of the night and making big-time plays on both ends of the court.

“In terms of the fourth quarter, I’ll speak for myself, I was a little frantic under all their pressure, Iriafen said. “Definitely will work on it so I don’t have as many turnovers as I did to not be in a rush or allow the other team to hurry us.”

Watkins came up clutch with a dagger to hold off a nonstop pressuring Spartan team and then a gut knockout from Smith to fight on and get another big victory for a big night full of big game supporters, some are thrivers having survived cancer. Now getting to witness the Women of Troy hand Michigan State another hard-fought loss on their West Coast visit.

After tough loss to USC, UCLA outlasts Michigan State without Lauren Betts

By

Charle' Moore

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February 16, 2025

CB0I7196 — Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News

Westwood, CA – Coming off a solid double-double game against a formidable USC front court, Lauren Betts four days later was on the sideline in a boot as a total surprise to most in game day attendance but even greater surprise was her teammate, Timea Gardiner, coming off the bench and draining multiple triples throughout the game. Including a go ahead three with little under a minute left in the game, to put No.1 UCLA back on top during the game, escaping their second upset of the season.

Gardiner scored 18 points, sophomore forward Janiah Barker added 18 points and junior guard KiKi Rice, who had an uphill battle with Michigan State zone pressure defense, finished with 16 points to hold off No. 22 Michigan State’s valiant effort by second year coach Robyn Fralick’s team, 75-69 on Sunday night at Pauley Pavillion.

“We’re a super deep team,” Gardiner said. “And everyone stepped up in their own way.”

Barker started as center and grabbed 12 rebounds to help her team despite the team’s collective struggle to defend the paint, allowing Michigan State to double what UCLA’s opponent usual average points in the paint.

“What we adjusted most after I learned Lauren wouldn’t be able to go once I received a text this afternoon was our defense,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. “We missed her and not having her not be our rim protector played a big difference.”

Theryn Hallock led the Spartans with 19 while Grace VanSlooten and Julia Ayrault both pitched in 18 apiece.

But Barker’s presence all across the floor, in absence of her teammate Betts, mixing high-flying steals with two handed gripping rebounds transformed into quick put-back layups along with a few hard nose cuts to score over Michigan State’s “high risk, high reward” defense is the “growth” coach Close described post game needed from a player she early in the season considers their “X-factor.”

MSU challenged UCLA most of the night but couldn’t widen the score margin before UCLA took back the lead, pulling away in the final seconds.

Coach Fralick received a technical foul for her dismay of a no call on Nyla Hampton’s game winner drive attempt inside the paint. Kiki Rice hit both free throws, for a 73-69 lead. She dished 7 assists for the game in addition to making two more from the charity stripe to keep the game a two possession score. UCLA closed out the game on a 12-2 run.

“We have a competitive spirit and fearlessness but needed to finish plays tonight,” Fralick said. “But right now we feel pretty disappointed.”

Michigan State will remain a few more days in Los Angeles for USC’s return from Washington to play each other Wednesday at the Galen Center. UCLA returns to action on Thursday against Illinois at Pauley Pavillion.

Thompson goes low to lead Genesis into the Weekend

By

Jevone Moore

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February 14, 2025

CAP02132 — Photo by Cole Perez / fi360 News

La Jolla, CA- The Genesis Invitational looks prime for a new champion with Fifty-four (54) players making the 36-hole cut at 4-over-par 148. Davis Thompson had a great going 6 under Friday finishing with (-8 under-par) to hold a one-shot lead going into the weekend.

“Yeah, felt like I hit the ball great at the start, hit a lot of fairways and greens,” said Thompson, “It’s kind of like steady golf on the front and kind of a rollercoaster on the back.”

Scottie Scheffler is one-shot off from Thompson keeping himself at top of leader board. Despite the wet conditions he was able to have a bogey-free round on the South course at Torrey Pines. His short game work was seen through out the round and paid off with 3 birdies and an eagle.

“I felt like I was out of position a lot today, but did a good job of muscling some shots up there on the green and getting up and down when I needed to as well,” said Scheffler “I’m pretty satisfied with the way I scored today,”

Sitting three shots behind the World No. 3 Rory Mcllroy at (-5 under-par) in striking distance with two rounds left. Coming off playing Pebble Beach the other week to now similar Poa small greens targets has played in his favor thus far.

“I think you have to be just so accepting on greens like this. Today I did my best to roll the ball on the right line and try to get the right speed and thankfully a few went in,” said McIlroy.

Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama (T34/+2) followed an opening-round 74 with a second-round 72 just hanging around. Even with last year win the course if way different.

This small group of players have made the adjustment of playing Genesis at Torey verse its home in the ravished Pacific Palisades. Due to the fires it was best to move this year tournament from the Riveria to the South Course. The Invitational being such a big part of PGA West Coast swing it would been a shame to skip past it this season.

The Riviera Country Club Club’s ownership and golf legend Tiger Woods have stepped up in a powerful show of support to aid in recovery efforts. It was announced that the club will donate $1,000,000 to local rebuilding initiatives said RCC CEO Megan Watanbe.

Chairman of The Riviera Country Club, Noboru Watanabe, said “We are devastated for those who have been affected by the Los Angeles fires. We will do our best to support our community in the recovery efforts.”

JuJu Watkins leads Women of Troy in upset No 1 Bruins

By

Charle' Moore

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February 13, 2025

JG6A7617 — JuJu driving to the basket. Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – Kicking off a national holiday weekend, JuJu Watkins gave a big block party to No.1 UCLA, serving them with a 38 piece and 11 boards plus 5 assists to stop the Bruins’ undefeated
season run.

Handing USC’s sold-out crowd of 10,258 a parting gift for weathering LA rain with a
71-60 win, Watkins and Women of Troy made their case for bragging rights of the best LA
women’s college basketball team until their rematch in March at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.

With much excitement in the building and signs made for Watkins, Thursday night turned into a
pre-Valentine celebration, as tons of Hollywood celebrities, including Watkins’ favorite from the
movie, Love and Basketball, Sanaa Lathan, showed love.

In addition, WNBA star and newly acquired by The Los Angeles Sparks Kelsey Plum, NFL’s
Offensive Rookie Of the Year Jayden Daniels, and USC Women of Troy alumni all came out to
support women’s college basketball. In return, they all got to witness Watkins’ outstanding
all-around game performance with a “youthful joy” as she put it.

“It has been a tough couple of weeks for me,” Watkins said. “But there’s a lesson in everything
and I’m trusting the process.”

Perhaps one of her most electrifying, career-defining performances against the lauded
competition, Watkins shot 6-8 from threes, carrying her team the first half of the game and
throughout most of the second half.

“When you have people like that show up, you can’t disappoint, Watkins said. “I mean Sanaa
Lathan, shout out to Monica.”

Senior backup center, Clarice Akunwafo, whom had not notice Watkins’ shooting slump, praised
her teammate for her unheralded efforts like help defense that resulted into a total of 8 blocks
for Watkins.

“Thank you for having my back, she had my back throughout the game,” Akunwafo said.
UCLA’s starting center, Lauren Betts, came in the game dominating but a quick substitution
midway first quarter to insert Akunwafo, slowed Betts down, pushing her away from the basket
to eventually on the bench by the end of the first half. This allowed USC to push the tempo by
playing 4 guards and 1 big.

“It was just a clinic in post defense, that we will be talking about years from now,” Gottlieb
said. “My husband texted me right after the game that they will remember Clarice after this
game,”

Betts still finished the game with a double-double, 18 points and 11 boards.

Betts goes up for a shot. Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

“I’ve got to do better, period,” Betts said.

Women of Troy had not defeated a No.1 ranked team in over 40 years and this was their first
time on their home court. Despite its historic rivalry, neither team coach wanted to overhype this
game’s outcome.

“We have Michigan State coming up this Sunday,” UCLA’s coach Cori Close said. “I learned this
from legendary coach Kay Yow you can’t swim laps in a pity pond.”

For USC,
“We’ve had two losses that we didn’t feel good about, Gottlieb said. “Now they’re going to have
it too.”

Meanwhile, Watkins and Women of Troy could have their feet back in the pool of top-five
rankings as they prepare to hit the road against Washington on Sunday.

GENESIS DONATES $8 MILLION TO WILDFIRE RELIEF EFFORTS, PARTNERS WITH TGR LIVE AND PGA TOUR TO LAUNCH CHARITABLE INITIATIVE CALIFORNIA RISES AT 2025 GENESIS INVITATIONAL

By

Press Release

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February 11, 2025

9X2A6839 — Genesis Invitational - Photo by Full Image360

Genesis donates $8 million in 100 tournament vehicles and cash contributions to California wildfire relief and rebuilding efforts.

Genesis, TGR LIVE and PGA TOUR launch California Rises initiative at The Genesis Invitational to support those affected by the California wildfires.

Proceeds of California Rises will go to four charitable organizations: the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, the California Fire Foundation and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation.

Due to the wildfires and out of respect to those affected, the 2025 Genesis Invitational was relocated from its home at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California to the South Course at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego and is being played during its original dates.

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2025 – In response to the recent wildfire devastation in the Los Angeles area and across California, Genesis, TGR Live and the PGA TOUR are launching the California Rises initiative at the 2025 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course to drive relief and recovery efforts for affected communities. As part of the California Rises initiative, Genesis is donating $8 million in 100 tournament vehicles and cash contributions and the Tiger Woods-hosted PGA TOUR event will serve as a platform to highlight the remarkable stories of resilience and response from the community, first responders and charitable organizations.

“We all want to help after the devastating wildfires. Southern California is our home and the location of our North American headquarters and design studio,” said José Muñoz, president and global chief executive officer, Genesis. “We are contributing $8 million dollars in car and cash donations to support organizations instrumental in the relief and rebuilding efforts. Together with our partners at TGR Live and the PGA TOUR, the focus of the 2025 Genesis Invitational will be helping those affected by the wildfires through California Rises.”

“The Genesis Invitational has called Los Angeles home for nearly a century and has a long-standing history of positively impacting the community,” said Mike Antolini, tournament director of The Genesis Invitational. “Although we are not at Riviera this year, we are proud to be part of California Rises in support of the relief efforts.”

“The game of golf has always played a role in bringing people together for a common cause, and the PGA TOUR is proud to support the efforts of the California Rises initiative at The Genesis Invitational,” said Jay Monahan, commissioner of the PGA TOUR. “We commend Genesis, Tiger Woods and TGR Live for their leadership and we are grateful to Farmers Insurance®, Mayor Todd Gloria and the City of San Diego and the Century Club for their collective efforts as we relocated The Genesis Invitational to Torrey Pines.”

Image by Jonas Never @never1959 (Instagram)

California Rises

Inspired by the strength and hope of the Greater Los Angeles community, Genesis’ charitable initiative, California Rises, will aid in the rebuilding efforts as a result of the California wildfires that devastated the region in January. California Rises will raise funds for the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, California Fire Foundation, and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation. These organizations have already made significant impacts in the wildfire response and will continue to play an important role in the ongoing recovery efforts. The Genesis Inspiration Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to connecting youth to the transformative power of the arts, will support arts education programs at schools impacted by the fires.

Genesis will be donating 100 vehicles used by the players throughout the tournament week, valued at $7.5 million dollars^[1], to various nonprofit organizations, including the Salvation Army – Southern California Division, ThinkWatts Foundation, and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Donated models include the brand’s SUV models, including GV70, which is assembled in the U.S., and GV80 family. The donated vehicles will used by the organizations for disaster relief and recovery efforts, including supporting families and individuals who have lost their transportation.

California Rises follows the brand’s previous actions in response to the wildfires, donating funds for immediate disaster relief and recovery efforts supporting evacuees and first responders in January. The brand’s Southern California retailer partners have also contributed $150,000 to date. These contributions and vehicle donations made by Genesis will exceed more than $8 million donated to wildfire relief.

The Genesis Invitational will feature a number of initiatives and activations, giving players, fans and tournament supporters an opportunity to support California Rises.

During tournament competition (Thursday, February 13 through Sunday, February 16), every shot will have extra incentive through “Birdies for Good.” For every birdie and eagle made during The Genesis Invitational, $300 will be donated to California Rises, with $10,000 donated should a hole-in-one occur.

Ticket fees from all tickets purchased for the 2025 tournament will be donated to the California Rises initiative, and tournament attendees can purchase California Rises merchandise available at the tournament shop and Torrey Pines pro shop, with 100% of the proceeds going to charity.

Throughout the course there will be links to the donation site (pgatour.com/CaliforniaRises). Additionally in the Genesis Lounge, located on the 9^th tee, fans can send a thank you note to first responders at Postcards from the Tee.

The annual collectible Genesis Invitational poster from acclaimed L.A. artist, Jonas Never, has shifted from its traditional golf theme to a custom California Rises piece featuring the Genesis golf bear hugging the state of California.

In addition to charitable donations, The Genesis Invitational will highlight first responders, front-line workers and those personally affected by the wildfires. First responders and firefighters from California will be on-site as guests of the tournament with exclusive access, including spots in the official tournament pro-am, interactions with PGA TOUR players and special recognition throughout the week as a thank you for their services.

Their stories, and those of the four California Rises beneficiaries, will be highlighted during the live tournament broadcast on GOLF Channel, CBS and PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ and across PGA TOUR social platforms.

The Genesis Invitational week will also feature the debut of Chippin’ In, a PGA TOUR Studios original content series starring Jason Kennedy and Jimmy Darts that blends playful competition with captivating conversation and a significant charitable impact. The pilot episode will feature PGA TOUR players and California natives Max Homa and Collin Morikawa as the group raises money for the California Fire Foundation, as part of Genesis’ monetary commitment to California Rises and with support from FedEx. Filmed on Monday of tournament week on Torrey Pines’ North Course, the episode will debut on Thursday on PGA TOUR YouTube and PGA TOUR FAST Channel, with additional content featured across TOUR social platforms and in live coverage of The Genesis Invitational on GOLF Channel and CBS.

To learn more or contribute to California Rises, please visit pgatour.com/CaliforniaRises.

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About The Genesis Invitational
One of the most historic and longest-running events on the PGA TOUR, The Genesis Invitational celebrates its 99^th playing, Feb. 13-16, 2025. The tournament’s title sponsor is Genesis, a global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of performance, design, and innovation. For more information about The Genesis Invitational, visit GenesisInvitational.com and follow the tournament on Facebook, X and Instagram @TheGenesisInv.

About PGA TOUR
By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Americas and administers PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR University. TOUR members represent the world’s best players, hailing from 28 countries and territories. Showcasing the biggest moments in the sport with history and legacy on the line, the PGA TOUR has long-term domestic distribution partnerships for broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC and Golf Channel and video streaming service on ESPN+. Internationally, PGA TOUR coverage is available across 200+ countries and territories in 30 languages via 44 broadcast and digital partners. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $4 billion.

Fans can follow the PGA TOUR via: the PGA TOUR app and PGATOUR.COM; social media channels,including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram (in Spanish, Korean and Japanese),

LinkedIn, TikTok, X (in English, Spanish and Japanese); the PGA TOUR Channel on Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) platforms such as the Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, PlutoTV, Xumo, LG Channels, Tubi, Amazon’s Freevee, FireTV and Alexa devices; and WhatsApp (in English and Spanish), WeChat, Weibo, Toutiao and Douyin.

Genesis Motor North America

Genesis is a new global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of design, safety, refined performance, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Drawing from its cultural heritage and distinctly Korean hospitality, Genesis crafts experiences focused on customers as “son-nim”, or honored guests.

Genesis Motor North America offers a growing range of award-winning SUV, sedan, and electric models through its network of more than 200 independent U.S. retailers, in addition to its more than 30 Canadian agency distributors. Genesis now counts more than 60 standalone retail facilities across the North American region, with dozens more in development. Consumers can discover the brand through its many retail points, at Genesis House, the brand’s flagship space in New York City, or online at www.genesis.com.

Please visit our media site for the latest news at www.genesisnewsusa.com (United States) and www.genesisnews.ca (Canada).

No. 7 USC takeover in 3rd to dominate No. 8 Ohio State in a84-63 victory

By

Charle' Moore

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February 8, 2025

JG6A3615 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

USC returned to the Galen Center after splitting their last two Big 10 road games with another
dominant win against Ohio State Buckeyes. Women of Troy rallied in 2nd half to seal an 84 – 63
victory, preparing for an upcoming crosstown rivalry matchup against UCLA this Thursday.

Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised her team’s toughness, opening up the post-game press
conference with this statement, “A really big win for this team, for our program, we know how
good Ohio State is and all the implications kind on the line with both team records,” she added,
“I thought this was a game we dominated in the inside with our offensive rebounds and our
production from the front court and knocked down a bunch of threes.”

Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff had this to say after receiving his 2nd road Conference loss
within a week by two Southern Cal teams, “We got our [expletive] kicked on the boards. We’re
not going to be able to compete or fight let alone beat a team like USC, ” Coach McGuff
explained, “Two they beat us to every loose ball. Lastly, we forced them to 23 turnovers but we
did not do a good job of converting them into points.”

Coach McGuff noted his team forced USC to turn the ball over many times yet did not capitalize
and score similar to what he felt happened against their previous opponent UCLA.

“Well one of our keys to the game and scout for today was to dominate the boards and I think
we did just that—dominate,” Senior forward KikI Iriafen continued, “ it was on my mind and I
think we have great players that are versatile as we had a lot of guards almost in double-digit
[rebounds] as well,” Iriafen said.

Ohio State coaches and their players both expected Sophomore elite scorers, JuJu Watkins and
Iriafen to impact the game but acknowledged the major difference by freshman Kennedy Smith
made on both ends of the floor.

“Kennedy is just really, really, really special and you see it when we ask her to guard an
incredibly fast kid in the full court against [Jaloni] Cambridge or matchup with Cotie [McMahon],
who is strong,” Gottlieb said,” coming in as a freshmen I don’t know if I’ve had a better just
instinctive, smart, talented defender and that’s not all she is…she’s a versatile mismatch
nightmare, she can post up, she can shoot the three, really good at moving the ball and I think
we’ve only just begun to see what she’s capable of though I don’t know if it’s a surprise for
people in our locker room.”

USC started off sluggish, missing layups and unforced turnovers, taking only an 8-point lead into
the first half. Ohio State, used their quickness and athleticism to their advantage, scoring 18
points in the paint, with their 3 small guards and versatile forwards looking to draw fouls while
attacking the basket. Women of Troy attempted to match this intense energy with 12 points in
the paint and in contrast, 14 free throws from their aggressiveness. USC led 34 – 26, shooting
32 percent into halftime. Three-pointers were huge momentum shifts for USC, as freshmen
Avery Powell and Smith, hit one apiece along with starting point guard, Talia Von Oelhoffen in
the first half.

Women of Troy’s offense heated up early in the second half as their defense caused more
turnovers for Buckeyes, stretching that lead margin to pull away with the game. With 2:00, left in
the 3rd, Watkins connected finally on her first made field goal of the game, after making only two
free throws in first half.

Smith resumed picking up the slack for her struggling teammate off shooting night possibly from
what appeared as her jamming her finger in the first play of the game. However, after Smith
scored six in the first half and zero in the third quarter while taking no shot attempts, she took
over in the 4th with a perfect 2-2 from the field, 1-1 from triples, 2-3 from the charity stripe along
with four assists to register her first career double-double and the third player in the game for
USC.

Iriafen led all scorers with 24 points, logging another double-double as well with 13 rebounds
and four assists.

Rebounds played a pivotal role in the game, with USC grabbing 62 in total. Five USC players
racked up eight or more, while Ohio State had no player with more than five. Rebounding
negated Ohio State’s defensive pressure and fast pace led to 23 USC turnovers compared to
Ohio State’s 10.

Ohio State (20-3, 9-3)was led by Taylor Thierry with 14 points and 5 assists, who also matched
up with Watkins most of the game before fouling out. McMahon and Chance Gray each added
13 and 12 points, respectively. USC height and length seem to be a factor, particularly in the
second half, when they denied Ohio State with six blocks, and ten for the game. Ohio State also
struggled from the arc, only connecting twice on 11 attempts, hitting only one triple each half.

Next up, USC will return home to play in their 1st matchup of the season against rival and No. 1
ranked nationally as well as Big 10, UCLA Bruins at the Galen Center, Thursday, at 7 pm. Then
back on the road to matchup against Washington on Feb. 16th, at 4 p.m.

Undefeated UCLA Celebrates Playing at Home with Victory and Black excellence

By

Charle' Moore

-

February 2, 2025

Westwood, Ca – A noonday game to celebrate Black excellence on a Sunday, the second day in Black History month, Minnesota Golden Gophers visited Pauley Pavilion to face an uphill battle against the undefeated No.1 UCLA Lady Bruins with both teams’ rosters composed of Black excellence. Despite an explosive start, the Golden Gophers fizzled out, eventually falling, 79-53, handing Lady Bruins their 9th victory in the Big Ten Conference and 21st for the season.

Both teams traded baskets after the first quarter before UCLA ultimately got it rolling with their ball pressure defense and depth bench play. The Lady Bruins outscored Golden Gophers 46-25 in the second half, reassuring their home crowd they’re a number 1 team for a reason and defending home court after not having a home game in 31 days.

Betts being triple-teamed. Photo by Jevone Moore

“It is so good to be back in Pauley,’ Coach Cori Close said. “The reason we have not been here for over a month is because of what our great city has been going through and I think there has to be a sense of humility.”

Coach Close continued expressing humility with gratitude for all the people fighting to rebuild then shifting that gratitude to serving and coaching players like KiKi Rice as acknowledgement of Black excellence during this month.

“KiKi Rice’s elite work ethic has created a culture in our program that you feel left out if you’re not doing the extra work,” Coach Close acclaimed. “I am a really fortunate coach to be involved incredibly in the precious lives of the most diverse sport in college Athletics. Women’s basketball has been the most diverse sport in college Athletics for over a decade and 67% of those are Black women and today is about Black excellence but in the broader scope I think it’s how do you value someone and honor someone that’s different than you.”

Junior forward Rice who scored 14 points off 6-8 shooting, showcased not only her Black excellence but her leadership by influence that her coach raved about being an example rather than having a boisterous voice as she took over the challenge to slow down the hot shooting of Golden Gophers’ Amaya Battle.

Battle finished the first half with 17 points with efficient shooting, 8-10. For most of the game, Junior guard Londynn Jones and her went at each other starting off the game with each knocking down a 3-point bucket out the gate. But Battle got the best of Jones as Jones spent most of the game figuring out how to contain Battle before helping her team get a win.

Still Battle led all scorers with 21 points for the game but was limited to only four second -half points.

“Battle’s a great player and had a great game,” said Rice. Rice and junior center Lauren Betts both were in the same recruiting class as Battle along with forward Janiah Barker.

Though Betts was limited in scoring, yet she was able to contribute offensively, dishing out 11 assists to keep her team in position to earn another homecourt victory in conference play.

“Lauren is so dominant and arguably the most dominant on both sides of the floor, ” Close said. She stepped up to the challenge and it speaks volumes to how dominant she’s been and how selfless she is to be able to facilitate for her team.“

Betts ended the game with six points, six rebounds, to help her team hold the Gophers to ten points in the third quarter, entering the fourth quarter with a 15 point lead after only leading by 5 at halftime.

UCLA continued their run in the fourth quarter, improving their field goal percentage and outrebounding the Golden Gophers slightly to seal the win with 10 of 11 players tallying up points, led by Freshman guard Elina Aarnisalo, 15 points and five rebounds. Jones added 13 points.

UCLA returns back to Pauley to face off with No 8 Ohio State and Oregon before going against crosstown rival No. 4 USC.