TIAA BIG Men’s Basketball Tournament USC Trojans vs Rutgers Scarlet at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 12, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis, IN- In their first Big Ten Tournament appearance, USC survived a March Madness classic, outlasting Rutgers 97-89 in double overtime behind Desmond Claude’s 28 points.
“That’s a game on why tournament play is so fun and exciting,” USC head coach Eric Musselman said. “Double overtime game, obviously with two teams that I thought both played really, really hard.”
USC made a statement in its first-ever Big Ten Tournament appearance, jumping on Rutgers early and taking a 41-30 lead into halftime in Indianapolis.
TIAA BIG Men’s Basketball Tournament USC Trojans vs Rutgers Scarlet at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 12, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The Trojans set the tone behind hot shooting and strong rebounding, outpacing the Scarlet Knights with a 48% clip from the field (13-27) and a deadly 6-for-12 from deep. Rutgers, on the other hand, struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 2-of-12. USC also won the battle on the glass, limiting second-chance opportunities.
Rutgers had a sloppy start, coughing up three turnovers by the 11:44 mark. The early miscues gave USC momentum, and freshmen Wesley Yates III and Chibuzo Agbo capitalized. Both were aggressive in attacking the rim and making plays, scoring eight apiece within the game’s first ten minutes.
Matt Knowling brought the energy with a powerful flush, while on the other end, Rutgers’ own young duo, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, provided a much-needed highlight. Harper found Bailey for a slick alley-oop, bringing the Scarlet Knights fans to their feet and giving Rutgers a brief spark.
TIAA BIG Men’s Basketball Tournament USC Trojans vs Rutgers Scarlet at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 12, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Harper took matters into his own hands late in the half, elevating his aggression to keep Rutgers within striking distance. The freshman standout finished the first half with 10 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
However, USC had the final say before the break. Rashaun Agee drilled a deep three at the buzzer, capping off a strong first half and putting USC back up by double digits. Agee led all scorers at the half with 12, while Agbo chipped in 11 and Yates finished with 8.
Both teams brought a strong contingent of fans to the game, but it was the Trojans faithful celebrating at halftime. Rutgers will need a big second-half push to flip the script and keep its tournament hopes alive.
TIAA BIG Men’s Basketball Tournament USC Trojans vs Rutgers Scarlet at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 12, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Rutgers clawed back in the second half, despite star freshman Ace Bailey’s foul trouble keeping him on the bench early. Yates pushed USC’s lead to 12, but Bailey’s return at the 15-minute mark ignited the Scarlet Knights. A tough and-one finish from Bailey cut the deficit to five, and after a chippy sequence led to a review stoppage, momentum shifted.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 09, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis, IN- For the third time this season, USC and UCLA squared off in a high-stakes showdown, and it delivered from start to finish. The game was a back-and-forth battle of runs, momentum shifts, and standout performances. In a thrilling comeback, UCLA stunned USC 72-67, with Lauren Betts leading the charge to claim their first-ever Big Ten Championship in both teams’ debut appearances in the tournament.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 09, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
UCLA came out firing, fueled by Londynn Jones, who cashed in an early three, looking to recreate her magic from the night before against Ohio State. Juju Watkins, however, had other plans. The USC star guard flipped the switch, scoring five straight in a blink, shifting the energy as the Trojans found their footing.
Malia Samuels drilled a shot-clock-beating three to keep USC’s momentum rolling, but UCLA’s Timea Gardner answered with back-to-back deep balls to keep it tight. At the end of a blistering first quarter, it was clear—this wasn’t just a rivalry game. It was a war. USC led 24-19, with Watkins making her presence felt early—eight points, three boards, and a steal.
Midway through the second, USC’s defense made its mark. Kiki Rice barreled into the lane but got whistled for a charge, a perfect read by the Trojans’ defense. On the other end, Jones knocked down another triple to keep UCLA within reach, but every Bruins punch was met with a USC counter. Watkins answered right back with a bucket of her own, keeping her squad in control.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 09, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Clarice Akunwafo brought the energy with a huge block, igniting the USC bench. Then, in transition, the Trojans put on a passing clinic—Watkins to Kennedy Smith, who kicked it to Avery Howell for a dagger three to push the lead to double digits at the break.
At halftime, USC held a 45-35 advantage, powered by Watkins’ 18 first-half points. She lived at the free-throw line, knocking down 7-of-8, while both squads found their rhythm from deep—USC at 6-for-13 and UCLA a scorching 6-for-9. The key difference? USC’s defense on Lauren Betts, limiting her impact. With adjustments looming, UCLA needed a second-half spark to keep its title hopes alive.
It was Taliavon Oelhoffen who kept USC afloat early, making big plays all over the court, but UCLA had the hot hand in the third quarter. Timea Gardner was sizzling, knocking down shot after shot, and UCLA’s defense locked in on USC’s shooters. Betts hit a clutch mid-range jumper with under three minutes left to cut the USC lead to five, but UCLA’s Kiki Rice answered right back with a smooth score.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 09, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
As the clock wound down, Betts continued to shine. She converted an and-1 to pull UCLA within striking distance, making it 50-54 with under two minutes remaining. Rice wasn’t backing down either—she drove hard for a tough bucket to keep USC ahead, 52-54.
UCLA flipped the script in the third, outscoring USC 17-9, thanks to Betts’ dominance. The defensive Player of the Year was a force, scoring more points in the quarter than USC’s entire team. Despite the Bruins’ push, USC’s lead was just strong enough to weather the storm—barely.
UCLA tightened up defensively, holding USC to only four made shots in the third while shooting 6-for-9 from the field and getting to the line more. As the final quarter started, UCLA was on fire, using momentum from the third to take an early lead.
This game was all about runs. Both teams fought tooth and nail for the win. With under six minutes left, UCLA went on a massive 23-9 run to snatch the lead, and Betts’ block on Juju with under two minutes sealed the deal.
Juju’s shooting slump in the second half—just 4-for-15—sunk USC, and UCLA capitalized on every mistake. But Watkins wasn’t done yet. She hit back-to-back baskets with just seconds remaining to bring USC within three, 67-70.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 09, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
UCLA delivered a stunning second-half comeback to take down USC 72-67, securing their first Big Ten Tournament title. After back-to-back losses to their rivals earlier in the season, the Bruins flipped the script when it mattered most. Lauren Betts, Londynn Jones, and Kiki Rice led the charge, making clutch plays down the stretch to seal the win.
“I think just taking advantage of my matchup and honestly doing whatever the team needed me to do in that moment,” Betts said. “I knew that I wasn’t going to get calls, but I think it was the mentality that I had going into the second half—I was going to keep being aggressive.”
That aggressive mindset paid off. UCLA made key adjustments after halftime, outshooting USC 11-for-19 from the field and sinking all 13 of their free throws. Meanwhile, the Trojans struggled to find their rhythm, going just 8-for-36 in the second half.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 09, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
In the end, UCLA’s poise and execution secured the victory, avenging their losses and making a statement ahead of March Madness. Both teams are headed to the NCAA Tournament, but for UCLA, this one was personal. The Bruins proved they belong at the top—and they’re carrying that confidence into the Big Dance.
Indianapolis, IN- UCLA had no mercy on Ohio State in a dominant 75-46 win, punching their ticket to the championship final where they’ll face off against USC for the third time this season. The Bruins, led by the explosive Londynn Jones, came out firing and never looked back. Jones dropped 22 points, hitting six three-pointers and setting the tone early as UCLA (29-2) built an insurmountable lead from the jump.
This one was never in doubt. After taking a quick 16-5 lead less than five minutes into the game, the Bruins showed no signs of slowing down. They closed the first half with a 9-0 run, holding Ohio State scoreless for the final 3:09 of the half to go up 44-21.
Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez each added 12 points in a balanced effort, with Betts pulling down six rebounds and Jaquez grabbing five. It was a complete team effort as UCLA cruised to their second straight double-digit win, looking every bit the part of a team on a mission.
Ohio State, despite their solid season, never seemed to have the edge. The Bruins were the more motivated squad, and with USC waiting in the wings for a high-stakes championship showdown, you could feel the intensity building. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for both teams, both first-year conference members, and with this third matchup looming, it’s setting up to be an epic clash for all the marbles.
For UCLA, it’s championship or bust. For Ohio State, it’s back to the drawing board after a tough loss to a team that came to play from start to finish. The stage is set for tomorrow’s battle, and it’s sure to be one for the ages.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Michigan Wolverine’s vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 08, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis, IN- USC shook off a slow start and dominated the second half behind JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, who combined for 33 points after halftime to lead the Trojans past Michigan 82-70 in Indianapolis. Trailing early, USC found its rhythm in the third quarter, flipping the momentum with relentless defense and efficient scoring. Watkins took over with clutch buckets, while Iriafen controlled the paint, helping the Trojans pull away late. Against a tough Michigan squad, USC proved why they belong, punching their ticket to the Big Ten Championship game.
Michigan capitalized on USC’s mistakes in the second quarter, turning nine Trojan turnovers into 10 crucial points. In a tight battle, Michigan held a 31-29 lead at halftime, fueled by freshman Syla Swords, who poured in 14 first-half points. With JuJu Watkins struggling—scoring just four points on 2-of-9 shooting while dealing with foul trouble—USC leaned on Kennedy Smith and Kiki Iriafen to keep them in the fight. But with only three points from the bench in the first half, the Trojans needed a spark beyond their stars to shift the momentum.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Michigan Wolverine’s vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 08, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
USC flipped the script in the second half, turning grit into momentum. JuJu Watkins, held under 10 points in the first half, started finding her rhythm, slicing through the defense for a smooth Euro step finish to cut Michigan’s lead to 42-39. Moments later, she drilled a deep three, then dished a perfect dime to Kiki Iriafen for the game-tying bucket at 48-all early in the third. But adversity struck when Kennedy Smith, the Trojans’ tough-as-nails guard, went down after multiple hard falls. Having battled back from knee surgery, she took herself out, her expression saying it all—prayers up. Still, USC kept rolling. Kiki snatched an offensive board off a Watkins free throw miss and powered in a putback, giving the Trojans their first lead at 53-52. Now on the brink of another conference tournament title—this time in the Big Ten after last year’s Pac-12 triumph—USC had all the momentum.
USC took control in the fourth, fueled by Kiki Iriafen’s dominance down low. She muscled her way through the defense for an and-one, showing off her footwork as she powered in the bucket. Michigan refused to back down but made a costly mistake with a 10-second violation—one of their 15 turnovers on the night.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Michigan Wolverine’s vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 08, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
With the game tightening, JuJu Watkins and Malia Samuels delivered when it mattered most. Watkins bullied her way inside for a smooth finish, while Samuels provided a much-needed spark, scoring back-to-back buckets, including a tough, drifting jumper that drew a foul. Her three-point play pushed USC ahead 65-60, bringing a surge of energy at the perfect time.
Then came the dagger. Avery Howell stepped up in the clutch, drilling a huge three to stretch the lead to double digits. USC’s supporting cast took over, controlling the pace and riding a 12-0 run with under four minutes left. Howell alone scored six points in 36 seconds, proving that in March, momentum is everything. The Trojans’ bench exploded for 16 second-half points, providing the lift they needed.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Michigan Wolverine’s vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 08, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Watkins shook off her slow start, dropping 16 of her 20 points in the second half, while Iriafen dominated with 25 points and 11 rebounds, including 17 in the final two quarters. With an 82-70 win, USC moves on, awaiting the winner of UCLA vs. Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb Credits Michigan’s Tough Play in Win
First, I have to start with crediting Michigan. We had to win that game. We had to earn that game. They gave us nothing. So impressed by KBA and the job she’s done this year,” said USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, reflecting on her team’s hard-fought victory. Despite a slow start and challenges throughout the game, the Trojans earned their spot in the Big Ten championship, with Michigan pushing them to the limit.
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Michigan Wolverine’s vs USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 08, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Nebraska Cornhusker’s vs UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis, IN – Lauren Betts proved why she was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, dominating on both ends with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 blocks, and 3 steals. Gabriela Jaquez added 23 points and 9 boards as UCLA took down Nebraska 85-74 to advance to the next round.
The Lady Bruins came out strong, setting the tone early, but unlike their previous blowout win, this matchup was a much tougher battle.
“First of all, what great adjustments Nebraska made,” said UCLA head coach Cori Close. “Obviously, we played them at the end of December, so for them to have all this time, I thought they made great adjustments, especially having it be their third game in three days. Just credit to their team and staff.”
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Nebraska Cornhusker’s vs UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Nebraska came out swinging in the second quarter, flipping the script with a 7-0 run that had UCLA on its heels. Lockdown defense turned into easy buckets, and the Huskers chipped away at what was once a 10-point deficit. With 3:32 left before halftime, UCLA tried to stop the bleeding at the free-throw line, but Nebraska wasn’t letting up. Amiah Hargrove drilled a clutch three, and Britt Prince followed with another deep bomb, tying the game and sending their fans into a frenzy. Betts responded like a star, muscling in a bucket and swatting away a Nebraska shot in the final moments, keeping UCLA ahead 41-39 at the break. After a blazing first quarter, the Bruins cooled off, shooting just 3-of-13 from deep, while Nebraska caught fire at 4-of-9. This wasn’t the same matchup as December’s blowout—this time, the Huskers came for a fight.
Lauren Betts with big block on Alexis Markowski TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Nebraska Cornhusker’s vs UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Lauren Betts set the tone in the third quarter, blocking three shots and scoring the first four points to quickly shift the momentum back to UCLA. With under eight minutes left, Gabriela Jaquez nailed a huge three to put the Bruins up, and Kiki Rice added a slick driving layup to extend the lead to five. The turning point came at the three-minute mark when Rice converted an and-one, pushing UCLA ahead 58-49. Betts dominated defensively, Rice attacked the rim, and Jaquez hit clutch shots— all three stars making sure UCLA stayed in control.
But Nebraska’s Britt Prince wasn’t going down without a fight, dropping eight in the quarter, including the Huskers’ last six points. Heading into the final period, UCLA held a 62-55 lead, setting up a nail-biting finish.
Nebraska (21-11), fresh off a grueling three-game stretch, fought hard, led by Britt Prince’s 24 points and Alex Markowski’s 11. But UCLA, fueled by Lauren Betts’ dominant defense and Gabriela Jaquez’s clutch shooting, proved too much. “I think being in a new conference has brought a lot out of us,” said Betts. “Playing a team like Nebraska, with all their forwards shooting, really pushed me to work on my perimeter defense.”
TIAA BIG Women’s Basketball Tournament Nebraska Cornhusker’s vs UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on, March 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The Bruins struggled to break away until a 13-2 run early in the third quarter gave them a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Despite Prince’s fiery start to the fourth with an and-one, UCLA responded with a backbreaking three from Kiki Rice and a dagger from Timea Gardiner, pushing the lead to 14.
The Lady Bruins cruised to an 85-74 win, setting up a showdown with Ohio State for a spot in the Big Ten Championship.
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.
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)
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.”
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)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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,”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
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.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
“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.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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“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.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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.
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“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.”
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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.
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“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.
