Dodgers Open Season at Home with a Bang: Ohtani and Glasnow Shine

March 28, 2024

MLB Cardinals vs. Dodgers 3-28-2024-1 — Photo by Mark Hammond/BNS

LOS ANGELES, CA- Under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their home season with a resounding 7-1 win against the St. Louis Cardinals. After a week that stirred the sports world with Shohei Ohtani’s gambling controversy, the team refocused on the field, demonstrating why they are a force to be reckoned with.

Shohei Ohtani, in his first home plate appearance, electrified the crowd.

“It’s all about making a good first impression, and I felt the energy from the fans,” said Ohtani, who despite a base-running misstep with Mookie Betts, reached base three times.

Dave Roberts, with a hint of amusement, reflected on the moment: “Shohei’s got incredible speed, but even the best can learn. It’s all part of the game.”

The Dodgers’ offensive strength was on full display with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman launching homers. Betts, discussing the team’s synergy, stated, “We’ve got a lineup that can do damage from top to bottom. Today was just a glimpse of that.”

On the mound, Tyler Glasnow dominated over six innings, allowing just two hits. “My job is to give the team a chance to win, and today, my pitches were working just the way I wanted,” Glasnow said, praising the defensive support.

The victory, while expected, reassured fans after the team’s preseason scandals. The game underscored the talent-stacked lineup with a home run and relentless offense. “This win is a statement,” Freeman said postgame. “We’re here to play ball and to win, no distractions.”

The Dodgers, with their blend of experienced MVPs and fresh talent, have set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season. They aim to carry this opening day momentum throughout the year, chasing yet another championship under the sunny skies of Los Angeles.

USC women’s hoops are sweet 16 bound

Anthony CinQue Carter

March 25, 2024

JG6A5483 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA- The top-seeded USC Trojans triumphed over the Kansas Jayhawks with a decisive 73-55 victory on Monday night, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament.

JuJu Watkins led the charge for USC with a remarkable 28 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, showcasing her dominance on the court. McKenzie Forbes supported Watkins’ stellar performance with a career-high six 3-pointers, contributing 20 points to the Trojans’ victory.

USC’s win sets up a highly anticipated matchup against fifth-seeded Baylor in the Portland Region 3 in Oregon on Saturday. This advancement marks a significant achievement for USC, which last reached the Elite Eight in 1994, echoing the legacy of their back-to-back national championships in the early 1980s.

Kansas freshman S’Mya Nichols led her team with 22 points, while Taiyanna Jackson added 10 points and 18 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Kansas fell to 0-6 all-time when facing a No. 1 seed in the tournament.

A critical moment in the game was USC’s 17-2 run that spanned the end of the third and start of the fourth quarter, effectively sealing their victory. Watkins and Kayla Padilla were instrumental during this run, with Watkins scoring nine points and Padilla hitting a crucial 3-pointer to extend USC’s lead.

Reflecting on the game, JuJu Watkins shared, “It’s the people. I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” highlighting the team spirit that propelled USC to victory.

On the other side, S’Mya Nichols remarked on Kansas’s determination, stating, “It’s what we have to do as a team to get back here and advance from here,” showcasing the team’s resolve and forward-looking perspective.

USC’s next challenge is Baylor, a team with a 26-7 record, in what promises to be a compelling Sweet 16 matchup. With the Trojans aiming to continue their impressive run and the Jayhawks reflecting on their journey, both teams are focused on the future, drawing lessons from this pivotal game.

USC all business in the first round of tournament play

DeAngelo Scruggs

March 23, 2024

JG6A1751 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA- As we kicked off the first round of NCAA March Madness, the No.1 seeded Women of Troy (27-5) handled business in the first round of 64 as they eliminated No.16 Texas A&M Corpus Christi (23-9) 87-55.

AP All-American Juju Watkins made her NCAA tournament debut with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks.

“This is like the most exciting time in basketball so I’m just grateful to be a part of it,” Watkins said postgame when asked about her excitement after getting her first tournament win. “I think there’s a lot on the line that really gives us a lot of energy and momentum going into the game. I’m just excited, as this is my first run. Whatever I need to do to help out the team, I’m going to do it.”

The Pac-12 Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Mckenzie Forbes of USC continued her stellar play as well as she contributed 23 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

Forbes (25) Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

“Kenzie is playing, as well, as virtually any guard in the country in terms of leadership and knocking down shots,” Head Coach Lindsay Gotlieb said when discussing her team’s performance after the game.

USC was locked in from tipoff holding the Islanders to only four first-quarter points and recording seven of their 14 blocked shots. USC shot 46% from the floor and 30% from behind the arc in the first half.

Texas A&M CC struggled to make shots at the rim and shot 24% from the field making only 8 of 33 attempts. The Islanders trailed 20-36 at the end of the first half.

In the second half, the Trojans had their highest-scoring quarter of the contest, putting up 35 points as they received contributions from up and down their roster. Junior Rayah Marshall continues to be a force in the paint recording another double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds and Kayla Padilla contributed 10 points and knocked down three three-pointers.

As the game clock wound down the crowd chanted “We Want Otto” begging for USC to put in 5th-year Senior India Otto. Gotlieb Gave the crowd what they wanted and put Otto in with two minutes left. Otto came in and stole the show scoring on back-to-back possessions for five points and getting Galen Center as aloud as it had been all day and the bench hyped for their teammate.

“It was incredible,” Otto said reflecting on her experience. “That is a core memory for me for sure. A culmination of everything I put into this program the last five years, it was really, really special.”

USC shot 57% from the field in the second half and 43% from the three-point line. The Trojans concluded the game shooting 52% from the field and 38% from behind the arc.

Texas A&M CC shot 44% in the second half going 13 of 29 but continued to struggle from behind the arc. The Islanders concluded the game by only making 2 three-point attempts finishing 2-15 for 13%.

The Trojans now prepare for the Round of 32 as they will face the Kansas Jayhawks who defeated Michigan 81-72 in overtime here at the Galen Center.

USC Crowned Pac-12 Tournament Champions

DeAngelo Scruggs

March 9, 2024

JG6A9138 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Las Vegas, NV- The No.5 University of Southern California Trojans (26-5, 15-5 Pac-12) are now the 2024 Pac-12 Tournament Champions after upsetting top-seeded and No 2. Stanford (28-5,15-3 Pac-12) 74-61 in the championship game in the last Pac-12 Tournament.

Graduate Transfer McKenzie Forbes was the best show in Vegas on Sunday as she lit MGM Grand Garden Arena and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player with 26 points and 5 rebounds.

It was a total team effort for the Trojans. Stanford wasn’t going to let Juju Watkins single-handedly beat them again like her 51-point performance on February 3rd in Stanford.

Watkins finished the game with her lowest scoring total of the season with only 9 points.

The rest of the Trojans roster had their teammates back. Junior Rayah Marshall had her fourth double-double in five games with 10 points and 18 rebounds, Kayla Padilla added 13 points and senior guard Kayla Williams provided a spark off the bench with 8 points.

“This entire team has embraced Ju so much,” Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “My vision, the dream is that you gotta figure it out, you gotta pick your poison. … We don’t win a championship today without being able to rely on everything that is truly our team.”

Forbes led the initial charge early for USC with 10 first-quarter points. The Trojans went on a 10-0 run early in the first period. USC shot 41% on 15 of 36 shooting from the floor and made 6 of 12 attempts from behind the arc for 50%.

Stanford responded with their own 10-0 run early in the second. The Cardinals shot 46% from the floor making 12 of 26 field goals and 66% from the three-point line.

USC led 40-31 at halftime.

The Trojans remained in control of the game coming out of halftime, pushing their lead to 16 points, and never allowed the lead to go below eight points. USC shot 37% in the second half making 12 of 32 attempts and went 3 of 8 from three for 37%.

Pac 12 Player of the Year Cameron Brink led the Cardinals in scoring with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Kiki Iriafen added 18 points.

Standford shot 39% in the second half going 13 of 33 from the field but never was able to string together stops to cut down USC’s lead.

The Trojans won their second Pac-12 Tournament championship with the last one coming in 2014. With the win Head Coach Lindsay Gotlieb recorded the most wins as a USC Head Coach since Cheryl Miller did so in the 1993-94 season.

The newly crowned 2024 Pac-12 Tournament Champion USC Trojans are now ranked number 3 in the nation and are most likely going to be a #1 seed in the NCAA March Madness Tournament.

Gotlieb spoke about how the Pac-12 Tournament has prepared them for the NCAA Tournament “I think we’re playing our best basketball right now because of that, because we have seen every gameplan possible in the Pac-12… We’ve seen everything…. So I think we should go into the NCAA tournament with a lot of confidence because we know that whatever they throw at us we have something to counter that.”

USC wins Battle of LA Round 3 in Las Vegas at the Pac-12 Tourney

DeAngelo Scruggs

March 8, 2024

JG6A9434 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Las Vegas, NV- The No.5 Women of Troy (25-5, 14-5 Pac-12) and No. 7 UCLA Bruins (25-6,13-5 Pac-12) brought the Battle of Los Angeles to the city that never sleeps in a double overtime showdown. The Trojans came out victorious with an 80-70 victory and punched their ticket to the Pac-12 Tournament championship for the first time since winning it in 2014.

Juju Watkins, the freshman phenom dropped 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds despite an aggravating ankle injury that caused her to be removed from the game on two separate occasions.

After the game, Watkins spoke about her ankle, “Even when I went out, I knew I’d get back in because my team needed me.” In addition, she added “it’s just an ankle. Nothing I’m not used to. Feel great.”

USC threw the first blow in this heavyweight matchup. The Trojans went on a 16-0 run at the end of the first period and were in control 24-8. Watkins outscored the Bruins by herself scoring 9 points in the quarter.

The Bruins responded in the second quarter with a 16-0 run that helped them tie the game at 24-24. USC bounced back to close the half with a 7-0 that put them ahead 37-31 at halftime.

USC shot 38% from the field in the first half on 13 of 34 attempts and shot 30% from the three-point line making only 3 of 10 attempts.

UCLA shot 36% from the floor in the first half making 11 of 30 attempts and shot 28% from behind the arc making only 2 of 7.

In the second half, both teams struggled to put the ball in the basket. USC shot 19% from the field on 5 of 26 shooting and UCLA shot 28% from the floor.

At the end of regulation, both teams were knotted up at 59 and we were graced with an extra five minutes of basketball.

In overtime, USC and UCLA continued to battle back and forth. UCLA pulled ahead by four with less than one minute to go as Watkins headed to the free throw line for a pair of free throws. Watkins went on to make the first and missed the second but Kaitlyn Davis grabbed one of her season-high 16 rebounds and passed it to Kayla Padilla who passed it McKenzie Forbes who drilled the three to tie the game at 67-67.

In the second overtime, USC turned up their defensive pressure and forced some turnovers and some missed shots to stretch their lead to 10.

Charisma Osborne led the Bruins in scoring with 21 points and Lauren Betts anchored the paint with 17 points and 18 rebounds.

After the game, JuJu Watkins spoke about the success of the team this season and if she imagined this when she committed to playing for her hometown team. “I’m not going to lie,” Watkins said, “I did not think this would happen this soon. … I’m just blessed, honestly. Better than anything I could have hoped for, really.”

USC prepares to face the #1 seed in the tournament the Stanford Cardinals and Pac-12 player of the year Cameron Brink at 2 pm on ESPN.

No 5 USC defeats Arizona as they advance to the Semifinals of the Pac-12 Tournament

DeAngelo Scruggs

March 7, 2024

JG6A0592 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Las Vegas, NV- The march madness begins for the No. 5 USC Trojans (24-5 13-5 Pac-12) as they defeated the Arizona Wild Cats 65-62 (17-13, 8-10 Pac-12)to advance to the semifinals of the Pac-12 Tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Rayah Marshall showed up big for Southern California with 15 points and 15 rebounds for her third consecutive double-double.

“It’s March, we’re here to win,” Marshall said. “If you don’t have on ‘USC,’ we’re here to compete and win.”

USC opened the game and jumped out to an early 13-0 lead. Newly crowned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Juju Watkins scored 10 first-quarter points outscoring Arizona by herself as the Trojans led 20-9 at the end of the first period.

Arizona’s defense recorded 11 steals and forced 16 first-half turnovers that allowed them to narrow USC’s lead. The Wildcats scored nine points off of turnovers.

Head Coach Lindsay Gotlieb spoke about her message to the team at halftime about their turnovers. “Just stop turning the s*** over,” Gotlieb said.

USC shot 52% from the field, making 11 of 21 field goal attempts, and shot 44% from behind the arc making 4-9 attempts in the first half.

Arizona struggled shooting 29% from the field going 10 of 34 and shot 14% from three-point range only making 1 of 7 attempts in the first half.

USC was ahead 30-25 at the end of the first half.

In the second half, USC’s offense handled the pressure and took care of the basketball only turning it over an additional five times. The Trojans’ defense forced 11 Arizona turnovers in the second half and capitalized off of them by scoring 12 points.

Juju Watkins finished the game with 17 points, eight rebounds, nine turnovers and sealed the game for USC with a tough finish over an Arizona defender that stretched the Trojans’ lead to five with under a minute remaining.

USC shot 41% on 12-29 shooting from the floor in the second half. The Women of Troy concluded the game by shooting 46% from the field and 32% from three-point range.

Arizona outscored USC in every quarter except for the first period. The Wildcats shot 50% from the field in the second half making 14 of 28 attempts and finished the game shooting 39% from the floor and 20% from behind the arc.

Helena Pueyo led the Wildcats in scoring with 19 points and six assists. Both Skylar Jones and Brea Cunningham added 14 points

USC punches their tickets as they prepare for round three in the Battle for LA as they prepare to face their crosstown Rivals the UCLA Bruins for an opportunity to advance to the championship game Sunday with hopes of becoming the last Pac-12 Tournament champion and continue to show the Selection Committee why they are deserving of a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

USC’s seven game win streak snapped by Utah

DeAngelo Scruggs

February 25, 2024

JG6A9695 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA- The No.7 Women of Troy (21-5, 11-5 Pac-12) had their seven-game win streak snapped in their home finale as they lost to No. 18 Utah (20-8, 10-6 Pac-12) 74-68 at Galen Center. This is the second time the Utes have defeated the Trojans this season.

Juju Watkins scored 30 points for the 12th time of the season, but it wasn’t her most efficient outing shooting 33% going 10 of 30 from the field. You could visibly see Watkins’s frustration with herself.

Although, Watkins wasn’t the only Trojan on the court struggling. USC opened the game by making just one of their first ten attempts and finished the opening quarter with six points shooting an underwhelming 17% from the floor.

“That first quarter we were on the struggle bus offensively,” Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said after the game.

USC concluded the first half shooting 34% from the field. The Trojans shot 11% from the three-point line after only making one of nine attempts.

The Utes shot 44% from the field, converting 11 of 25 attempts, and from behind the arc Utah shot 42%making 6 of 14 attempts.

Former USC Trojan Alissa Pili scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Utes. Kennedy McQueen added 14 points.

“I’m extremely impressed with what she did when she left here Gottlieb said of Pili. “She put the work in. She recommitted to what makes her happy and good and I respect that.”

JuJu Watkins came alive in the beginning of the fourth period, scoring 10 straight for the Trojans bringing her team within striking distance several times in the quarter.

USC finished the game shooting 40% from the field and 20% from the three-point line making only 4 out of 20 attempts.

Utah concluded the game, shooting 48% from the floor and shooting 40% from long range making 11 of 27 attempts.

The Women of Troy now prepare to hit the road and face Arizona and Arizona State in their final two games of the regular season as we head into March Madness.

USC gets its revenge in the Battle of LA

DeAngelo Scruggs

February 24, 2024

JG6A8007 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Los Angeles-The USC Trojans ( 11-16,5-11 Pac-12) avenged their home loss to their crosstown rival UCLA( 14-13,9-7 Pac-12) with a 62-56 victory on the road in Pauley Pavilion.

Fifth year senior Boogie Ellis who called his squad out for lack of pride in January after their home loss to UCLA led USC in scoring with 24 points, going 9 of 18 from the field for 50%.

“Feels good, You know my first time winning here but it great for my last UCLA game to get a W” Ellis said post game after securing his first road victory in the Battle of LA.

Freshman Isaiah Collier finished the game with 11 points and four assists for the Trojans.

USC’s came out motivated and competed on both ends of the floor. Adem Bona who grabbed 10 rebounds in their last matchup was held to only three rebounds and Dylan Andrews who scored 20 points in Galen was held scoreless throughout the contest.

“Our guys had a great week of practice, they competed tonight and defensively we made a lot of improvements” said Head Coach Andy Enfield postgame.

Enfield with the win tied Bob Boyd for third on the program’s all-time coaching win list with 216th victory.

USC shot 46% from the field on 12 of 26 shooting from the field and shot 53% from long range nailing 7 of 13 three-point attempts in the first half.

UCLA shot 37% in the first half on 11 of 29 shooting from the floor and an underwhelming 27% from behind the arc but closed out the half on a 9-0 that knotted things at 34-34 at halftime.

In the second half USC kept applying the defensive pressure, their defense led to a 16-3 run that had UCLA playing from behind the rest of the contest. USC shot 41% from the field in the half and finished the game shooting 44% from the field and 44% from the three-point line.

UCLA’s offensive woes continued as they struggled to deal with USC’s pressure defense. The Bruins shot a disappointing 28% from the field in the second and concluded the game shooting 33% from the field and 21% from three.

“It’s a simple game, the team that plays harder usually wins. They played much harder than us,” UCLA Head Coach Nick Cronin said. “We had our worst week of practice of the season. I failed miserably to get my team ready for the fight that was coming and I’m thoroughly embarrassed.”

USC now prepares to head to Washington where they will take on No. 21 Washington State on Thursday.

Juju Watkins record-breaking 42-point performance leads No.7 USC over No. 11 Colorado

DeAngelo Scruggs

February 22, 2024

JG6A5531 — JuJu (Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – In a record-breaking 42-point performance Juju Watkins led No. 7 Southern California (21-4, Pac-12 11-4) to their seventh victory in a row after an 87-81 victory over No.11 Colorado (20-6, 10-5) in a highly anticipated Pac-12 matchup.

Watkins broke USC Legend’s Sherl Miller record for the most 30-point games in a single season with her 11th 30-plus outing as just a freshman.

JuJu (Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News)

In addition, she set the record for most points scored at the Galen Center by either a male or female player with her 42-point outburst.

“That’s insane honestly, Watkins said when speaking on her accomplishments. But of course, it’s Cheryl Miller, so – long way to go ’till I’m in that conversation, but I’m just happy to be able to be a part of that Trojan legacy and just continue to evolve and grow the game and culture here at SC.”

Watkins got off to a hot start scoring 15 of her 22 first-half points in the first period to pace the Women of Troy. Mckenzie Forbes scored 14 of her 24 points. The Trojans shot 60% from the field and shot a remarkable 80% from the three-point range nailing 10 of 12 attempts from behind the arc.

The Buffs displayed some exceptional shooting from the field as well in the first half. Colorado shot 72% from the floor and 83% from three-point range and closed the half on a 9-0 run.

USC led 47-43 at halftime.

Watkins did face some adversity in Friday night’s matchup. She committed 10 of USC’s 19 turnovers and committed a flagrant foul in the third period after striking a defender in the face with her elbow.

“It just comes with the energy and this being such an aggressive game and so intense, I think I was just a little crazy,” Watkins said. “It was just a great environment and I think that brings that out in me. I’m just glad I was able to chill out and get the dub.”

Aaronette Vonleh led the Buff in scoring with 18 points and Quay Miller added 12 points.

Colorado shot 44% in the second half and finished the game shooting 57% from the field and 53% from the three-point line.

In the second half, the Trojans obtained their largest lead of the game as they were ahead by 15 points in the fourth. USC shot 52% in the second half and concluded the game shooting 56% from the field and 68% from behind the arc.

When describing the game post game Head Coach Lindsay Gotlieb said “It felt like a heavyweight prize fight on a Friday night and I don’t even know anything about boxing”. “I was proud of the way that we stayed together amidst any kind of adversity. Even when we were giving up some buckets I felt like we were locked in and together and could figure out a way to get stops.”

USC now prepares to face No.18 Utah Utes on Sunday in their last regular season home game.

Matsuyama takes over Sunday at the RIV

Jevone Moore

February 19, 2024

Pacific Palisades, CA- There was a new roar at The RIV from the behind when Hideki Matsuyama who started off Sunday 6 strokes back. But before the end of 72 holes Matsuyama had taken the Genesis Invitational running away by three shot with a final round of 62 (-17 under Par).

Matsuyama gained 8.471 strokes on the field in the final round, this was the highest strokes gained total in a final round by a TOUR winner (72-hole events) since 2019.

Matsuyama on 18th green. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

“Yeah, you know, to win in this tournament was one of my goals ever since I became pro. After Tiger being the host, that goal became a lot more bigger. A little disappointed that I wasn’t able to take a picture with Tiger today,” said Matsuyama.

54-hole leader Patrick Cantlay dropped to tied for 4^th place with Adam Hadwin and Xander Schaiffele at (-13 under-par). Will Zalatoris and Luke List were nipping at his heel and held the lead during the final round only to finish (-14 under-par).

“The goal today, this is really good preparation for the majors coming up,” said Zalatoris “I hit great putts all day, I just under-read a bunch of putts.”

The other side of the coin today was Cantlay fall from the top spot slow and thoughtful on every shot. It was a Sunday to forget trying to match shot for shot. Next tournament will be a way to clear the struggles of this final round.

The Genesis this year was elevated to a signature event this year so the prize winners enjoyed a few more dollars. Winner Matsuyama will gain FedEx points along with this year trophy with is strong finish.

Zalatoris and List (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

“Today was an OK round, but I chipped and putted pretty well today, so that’s something that gives me a good momentum, so I think that really helped today,” said Matsuyama.

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fi360 News

Dodgers Open Season at Home with a Bang: Ohtani and Glasnow Shine

USC women’s hoops are sweet 16 bound

USC all business in the first round of tournament play

USC Crowned Pac-12 Tournament Champions

USC wins Battle of LA Round 3 in Las Vegas at the Pac-12 Tourney

No 5 USC defeats Arizona as they advance to the Semifinals of the Pac-12 Tournament

USC’s seven game win streak snapped by Utah

USC gets its revenge in the Battle of LA

Juju Watkins record-breaking 42-point performance leads No.7 USC over No. 11 Colorado

Matsuyama takes over Sunday at the RIV

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