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.
