USC Crowned Pac-12 Tournament Champions

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.

USC losses in Double Overtime to Colorado

DeAngelo Scruggs

February 17, 2024

JG6A4194 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA- The University of Southern California Trojans (10-16, 4-11 Pac 12) lost in a double overtime thriller to the visiting Colorado Buffs (17-9, 8-7 Pac 12) 92-89 at the Galen Center.

Despite a strong performance from USC’s guards senior Boogie Ellis and freshman Isaiah Collier, the Trojans surrendered a 16-point lead in the final 10 minutes of the contest due to their inability to get defensive stops and grab defensive rebounds.

KJ Simpson scored 30 points on 9 of 17 shooting and made 6 of 9 attempts from behind the arc to lead Colorado.

“Tough loss for our team, guys played hard, just couldn’t get enough defensive stops or rebound the ball in the last 10 minutes of the game, Head Coach Andy Enfield said. “So disappointing guys play very hard. Just one possession here and there was the difference.”

USC was outrebounded 47-22 by the Buffs. This continues a concerning trend for the Trojans as they have been outrebounded by a total of 73 rebounds in the last four games. Their big men were recently called out publicly by Andy Enfield after their home loss to Oregon.

After being hampered by a hamstring that caused him to miss several weeks earlier in the season, Boogie Ellis appeared to return to form with a 30-point performance to lead USC in scoring.

USC hit 51% from the field by making 16 out of 31 attempts and they shot 53% from beyond the arc, connecting on 7 out of 13 attempts in the first half.

Colorado shot 50% from the floor making 13-26 attempts and outrebounded the Trojans

19-8 in the first half but trailed 33-39 as both teams went into their respective locker rooms.

In the second half USC cooled down a bit shooting 44% from the field and 33% from the three-point line.

Isaiah Collier scored 25 points for the Trojans and dished out a career-high 9 assists but missed a critical free throw that would have put USC ahead by three instead of two at the end of regulation.

With the window left open for the Buffs, KJ Simpson drove down the lane and dished it to Luke O’Brien for the dunk that knotted things at 73-73.

Colorado shot 51% from the floor and 41% from behind the arc in the second half.

At the end of the first overtime, Isaiah Collier tied the game at 83-83 on a driving layup and forced the second overtime.

In the closing seconds, USC had the ball and an opportunity to send the game into third overtime but the Colorado played good perimeter defense that forced a tough three-point attempt that game up short for Boogie Ellis and the Trojans.

Junior captain Kobe Johnson spoke on the state of the locker room after this close loss “Nobody likes losing. “Nobody wants to lose but I still believe in this team. “The record may say something else but I know you know we got the talent and we got the guys on this team to make a run. We just got to be able to clean up the little details. That’s really all it is. We’re right there” Johnson said.

Up next for USC is their last Pac-12 battle with their crosstown rival UCLA next Saturday at Paulley Pavilion. Both teams prepare to head to the Big Ten next season.

Cantlay feeling good at home after 36

Jevone Moore

February 16, 2024

9X2A2188 — Patrick Cantlay (Photo by Full Image 360)

Pacific Palisades, CA- The Tiger makes a grand exit, needing medical attention along with an IV. He was able to leave walking in his own strength after withdrawing today on the 6^th hole getting a ride back to the clubhouse.

Now day 1 leader Patrick Cantlay who was playing in the group one ahead was not affected when he saw Woods pass by leaving the course. Cantlay went on to score four birdies after his departure.

Patrick Cantlay (Photo by Full Image 360)

“Yeah, we’re half done. Stay in the moment and trust the process that I have. I have a good game plan for this golf course and I’ll just stick to it,” said Cantlay.

The UCLA Bruin Cantlay started the day off right with an eagle on hole 1 par 5, that eventually allowed for 36-hole, 5 shot lead (-13 under-par).

Yeah, it feels like a home game. Like I said, it’s a golf course I played so many times, I feel comfortable,” said Cantlay.

Luke List and Jason Day kept pace but couldn’t make up much ground during today’s Friday round staying tied for second play. These three will be matched up Saturday in the last group being fully aware what each other do shot for shot.

Jason Day finishes his round (Photo by Full Image 360)

“I’m happy with how I played and stayed in it,” said List.

Jordan Speith was disqualified for signing an incorrect score card with a 3 for a 4 on the fourth hole.

Will Zalatoris made an incredible hole-in-one on the par-3 14th hole at The Riviera. This shot earned himself and caddie a Genesis GV80 and Genesis Electrified GV70.

“I just pulled it about 10 feet and it landed perfectly on the fringe and killed it. Lucky to go in. It was a nice little bonus,” said Zalatoris.

Last year champion Max Homa is tied for 11^th place and will be around for the weekend on 9 shots back at (-4 under-par).

On the 18^th green Chase Johnson shared a big bearhug and smile with his caddie after finishing even par tied 42^nd and hanging around for the weekend and earning some money this week.

“It’s a golf course I’m really comfortable on and it’s in the best shape I’ve ever seen it,” said Cantlay “Yeah, it’s been great to play this week.”

The field will still be full and the grounds should be full with cheers to see some great moving day golf at the RIV.

The Genesis is off to great Start

Jevone Moore

February 16, 2024

Pacific Palisades, CA- On a gorgeous day in February on the West Coast veteran tour card holder Patrick Cantlay scored an opening round 64 (-7). He holds first place by himself with a one-shot lead at The Riviera Country Club for Genesis Invitational.

“I thought it was good. Obviously got off to a great start. Our group had good momentum, Jordan and I were a bunch under on the front nine,” said Cantlay.

Cantlay off the tee. (Photo by Full Image 360)

Tournament host Tiger Woods in the field wearing his new swag Sun Day Red keep his sweater on the whole road where tied for 49 +1 over par for the day. This is his first start on the new golf season.

“I struggled with the speed of the greens. I couldn’t believe how fast they were today even though I made a couple. I ran a bunch by the hole today, it was very stressful. But the golf course is in such perfect shape,” said Tiger.

Tiger watching his ball off the tee on a Par 3 (Photo by Full Image 360)

Cantlay on Friday will have the opportunity to increase his lead tee off just one group ahead of Tiger so the roars of the crowd can be very close.

There is three-way tie for second place with Cam Davis, Luke List, and Jason day who all finished with 65 (-6). Day no stranger to being on top of the leader board so look for him to be calm on day two and challenge Cantlay.

“It’s nice to be able to see kind of the light at the end of the tunnel and going through that process and that journey but getting on the other side of it now is even better,” said Day

It’s always fun to have excitement just before the weekend, this smaller field will start to shape up and see who will be ready to compete for the prize money and the new G-Series ride.

Johnson watches his drive off the tee. (Photo by Full Image 360)

This year’s Charlie Sifford exemption Chase Johnson felt right at home on the course with an opening round 72 (+1) four birdies but the five bogies held him back.

The weather on Friday looks clear so look for some nice scores coming from day 2 at the RIV.