USC Secures 14th Straight Win with Dominant Defense in Blowout Over Purdue 

USC Trojans vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 22, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

West Lafayette- The Lady Trojans of USC extended their winning streak to 14 games with a dominant 79-37 victory over the Purdue Lady Boilermakers in West Lafayette. Despite trailing at the end of the first quarter, USC’s lockdown defense and explosive offense fueled a commanding performance on their cold Midwest road trip. 

Purdue started strong, led by Destini Lombard’s eight points in the first quarter, helping the Boilermakers take a slim 16-15 lead. However, Lombard was held scoreless for the rest of the game, and Purdue never regained control after their brief first-quarter advantage. USC responded with an impressive 50-12 run over the next two quarters, including a nearly unprecedented 31-2 lockdown in the second quarter. 

USC Trojans vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 22, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

USC forward Kiki Iriafen contributed seven points before leaving the game with an ankle injury in the second quarter, but her absence did little to slow the Trojans. Freshman Avery Howell stepped up with a career-high 18 points, 10 of which came during the dominant second quarter. Howell connected on four of seven shots from beyond the arc, while JuJu Watkins added 16 points and Kennedy Smith chipped in with 12, hitting three of five from three-point range. 

The Lady Trojans’ defense was the story of the game, holding Purdue to just two points in the second quarter and limiting their offensive production throughout. Offensively, Watkins delivered electrifying moments, including a coast-to-coast play off a missed free throw by Purdue’s Jordan Poole that brought the crowd to its feet. Watkins showcased why she’s considered one of the top players in women’s college basketball. 

USC Trojans vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 22, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

After their decisive second quarter, USC coasted through the second half, maintaining control and cruising to victory. The Lady Trojans return home next to face a ranked Minnesota team in Big Ten action, aiming to extend their winning streak to 15 games. 

USC Trojans vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 22, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)