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.
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.
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.
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.
