USC Triumphs Over UConn in Thrilling Rematch
HARTFORD, Conn. — In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, JuJu Watkins delivered a stellar performance, scoring 25 points to lead No. 7 USC to a nail-biting 72-70 victory over fourth-ranked UConn on Saturday night. This game was not just any regular-season matchup; it was a rematch of last season’s Elite Eight contest, which the Huskies had won. The stakes were high, and the tension was palpable as two of the best players in women’s college basketball, All-Americans Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins, faced off, guarding each other for most of the game.
For Watkins, this game was another feather in her cap. It marked her fourth career 25-point game in just six matchups against AP top-five teams. This is a remarkable feat, considering no other player has more than two such games over the past two seasons. On the other side, Bueckers was no slouch, finishing with 22 points and showcasing her own impressive skills.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for USC fans. The Trojans had built a commanding 18-point lead in the second half, only to see it slip away as UConn mounted a fierce comeback. With the game tied at 67, Watkins made a crucial play, passing the ball to Rayah Marshall for a layup with 1:21 left, giving USC the lead once again.
After a missed opportunity by the Huskies, Watkins found herself at the free-throw line with 31 seconds left. The first shot was a nail-biter, as the ball sat on the rim for what felt like an eternity before falling off. However, she made the second, extending the Trojans’ lead to 70-67.
UConn, which had trailed 51-33 in the third quarter before their rally, quickly responded with a basket by Sarah Strong, narrowing the gap to just one point. But Watkins was not done yet. She calmly sank two more free throws with 19.5 seconds left, making it 72-69.
The Huskies had one last chance to tie the game when Strong was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer with just five seconds remaining. The tension in the arena was palpable as she made the first free throw but missed the second. With the third shot, Strong intentionally missed, and UConn managed to grab the rebound. The ball eventually found its way back to Strong, but her desperation heave at the buzzer was off the mark, sealing the victory for USC.
Takeaways
- USC: This victory was a significant test for the Trojans, especially after their loss to Notre Dame on Nov. 23. With three ranked Big Ten teams in their next four games, USC will need to maintain this momentum.
- UConn: The Huskies have now faced two top-10 teams this season and are 0-2, having also fallen to Notre Dame. This game highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Key Moment
One of the standout moments of the game occurred earlier in the third quarter when Watkins blocked Bueckers’ shot. She then took the ball to the other end and scored, executing a move through her legs with UConn’s star guarding her. It was a play that showcased Watkins’ skill and determination.
Key Stat
UConn, known for their shooting prowess, struggled from behind the 3-point arc in this game. After hitting a school-record 20 3-pointers in their previous game, they were just 6-for-23 from long range against USC.
Up Next
- USC: The Trojans will host Michigan on Dec. 29, looking to build on this impressive win.
- UConn: The Huskies will host Providence on Dec. 29, aiming to bounce back from this close defeat.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN News Services
