PALM DESERT, California — JuJu Watkins made a significant impact in the game with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight turnovers, helping the sixth-ranked Southern California secure a decisive 84-51 victory over Seton Hall during the Acrisure Holiday Invitational on Wednesday night.
The Trojans, now with a 5-1 record, saw three additional players score in double digits. Kiki Iriafen contributed 15 points along with nine rebounds, while freshman Avery Howell shone with a career-high 14 points off the bench. Rayah Marshall also achieved a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
On the other side, Faith Masonius delivered an impressive performance for the Pirates, scoring a career-high 25 points and hitting a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter, bringing Seton Hall’s record to 4-2.
Looking at the game’s progression, Seton Hall managed to keep up with the Trojans during the second and third quarters, falling behind by only a small margin. However, the fourth quarter proved to be a turning point as they were outscored 22-9. Masonius made three 3-pointers, yet the team struggled overall from beyond the arc, making only 5 of 23 attempts.
For USC, this victory demonstrated their resilience following a previous setback against then-third-ranked Notre Dame, where they lost 74-61. Watkins’ teammates stepped up in her moments of struggle, showing the depth of their roster.
A crucial moment in the match came as Watkins faced double teams from the opposing defense, which affected her scoring efficiency, finishing 7 of 13 from the field. She also found herself in foul trouble, picking up her fourth foul early in the final quarter.
Statistically, the Trojans excelled on the boards, out-rebounding the Pirates 56-27, including a dominant 22-11 performance on the offensive glass. Additionally, the USC bench significantly outperformed their counterparts, scoring 22 points to the Pirates’ five.
As for upcoming games, Seton Hall will prepare to face San Francisco on Monday, kicking off a four-game homestand. Meanwhile, USC will remain in Palm Desert, set to take on Saint Louis on Friday as they continue their participation in the Acrisure Holiday Invitational.