Los Angeles, CA – Following a short power outage that briefly delayed warm-ups, pushing back the game’s tip-off 30 minutes late both teams came out ready with added eagerness to start the game as USC quickly determined the outcome to a blowout end over Elon Phoenix, 88 – 30. Sophomore guard JuJu Watkins dropped a game-high 26 points, despite limping off her home court towards the end of the game, causing much concern for her status against USC’s next matchup against, UCONN.
“They are great guards and we know it’s coming, so just building that confidence and seeing what we are capable of,” Graduate transfer guard Talia Von Oelhoffen explained on preparing for UCONN’s backcourt. “Next up, we know we will be facing veteran, All-American guards and I thought Malia and Kayleigh did a great job ball pressuring to make it easier for the rest of the team.”
Despite the expected quick start from USC, Elon hung around for the first few minutes, at one point, getting a steal and quick layup to tie the score until USC defensive pressure turned up a notch with a small lineup to end the first quarter on a 19-2 run, leading 23 – 6 into the second quarter.
“I think we’ve gotten to a point in our season where they know what the expectation is and I think they want to rise to that expectation,” Coach Gottleib said. “I know what we are capable of and just holding us accountable to the standard that we have.”
Trojans began the 2nd quarter just like they finished the first quarter with keeping that same small lineup of 4 big guards and one power forward to set off an 8 – 0 run. A few more substitutions from both squads and some game plan adjustments in real time resulted in trading baskets until USC capitalized off forced turnovers and scoring consecutive buckets to end the first half, 40-12.
“Everyone’s talking about chemistry on offensive end, but I think they are finally getting it together on the defensive end while trusting their teammates like Rayah in the back to allow them to try be more aggressive,” Coach Gottleib said.
Getting into 2nd half, both teams found their scoring rhythm again at the same time,hitting back n forth baskets to keep the lead margin the same before Elon went ice cold on offense and USC remain hot in their transition game. Suddenly, USC bursted out into another 18-2 score run to close the quarter, leading 69-23.
USC got solid contributions from Graduate Transfer KiKi Iriafen, who finished with 18 points and seven rebounds. Hannah Heckel had 14 points and four steals on the night, playing passing lanes in their zone press. Three of her steals came within a minute.
With the game decided pretty much, Phoenix became physical and somewhat frustrated, as teams began subbing in bench players late. Trojans finally slowed down from their transition game, before an awkward landing by Watkins midway through the 4th quarter. Watkins immediately wobbled to the bench before abruptly heading to the locker room. During the post-game press conference, no status update was known or given on Watkins. Most attention remained on the game and how USC seized another game opportunity to gain momentum against a more formidable opponent in the Huskies.
In addition to the 26 points on 7-18 shooting, including 11-12 from the charity stripe, Watkins had 5 assists on the night. With 10 games played this season, Watkins moved up to No. 20 all-time in career scoring at USC.
The Women of Troy record improves to 10-1. USC will travel to Connecticut to face the Huskies (10-1) on Saturday, Dec. 21. Game time is 5:00 p.m., PST. The game will be televised on Fox. The next home game for the Women of Troy will be on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 7:00 p.m., when they face another top-20-ranked team, Michigan, for their first matchup of this season.
