LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins made a significant impact during the game, contributing 26 points along with five rebounds and five assists, as the No. 5 Southern California Trojans triumphed over Elon with an impressive score of 88-30 on Sunday. This win marks USC’s sixth consecutive victory.
Kiki Iriafen played a pivotal role as well, adding 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Other notable performances included Kayleigh Heckel with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals, Talia von Oelhoffen contributing 10 points, and Rayah Marshall showcasing her prowess on the boards with 14 rebounds.
By halftime, the Trojans had established a significant lead, sitting at 40-12, and they later extended their advantage to as much as 59 points in the fourth quarter. This victory also highlights USC’s capability, as it marks the third game this season in which they won by at least 50 points.
For Elon, Hannah Dereje led the effort with 10 points and seven rebounds, but the team faced a tough outing. The Phoenix struggled offensively, hitting only 11 of 52 shots (21.2%) from the field and a meager 2 of 13 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Elon committed 25 turnovers throughout the match.
In terms of standout observations, it was apparent that Elon could not compete with USC’s size and athleticism, characterized by a significant rebounding disadvantage of 50-30 and being outscored 48-14 in the paint. On the other hand, Southern California appears to be well-prepared for their upcoming challenge against No. 2 Connecticut, as they have outscored their opponents by an average of 39 points per game during their current winning streak, showcasing dominance in every aspect of play.
A key moment in the game occurred early on when Elon managed to stay close to USC, but the Trojans shifted momentum by tightening their defense, instigating a 19-2 scoring run to conclude the first quarter. During this stretch, USC forced seven turnovers from Elon’s offense, preventing them from making any successful shots.
Notably, both Watkins and Iriafen have consistently scored in double figures in every game this season for USC, showcasing their vital roles in the team’s success.
Looking ahead, Elon is set to face Long Beach State on Thursday, while USC gears up to travel to take on No. 2 UConn on Saturday.
