LOS ANGELES — Juju Watkins led the No. 4 ranked USC Trojans to a convincing 75-55 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Wednesday, marking the team’s ninth consecutive win. This impressive streak follows USC’s only loss so far this season against Notre Dame.
USC now holds a record of 13-1, standing at 3-0 in Big Ten play, which is their best conference start since the 2013-14 season. In contrast, Nebraska has struggled recently, dropping three straight games after previously enjoying a five-game winning streak. Logan Nissley was the standout player for the Cornhuskers, scoring a team-high of 14 points during the matchup.
In terms of key takeaways, Nebraska struggled with ball control, committing a total of 18 turnovers, with six occurring in just the first quarter. This season, the team’s inability to maintain possession has been problematic, and facing a top-five team on the road exacerbated the situation.
On the other hand, USC’s stars showcased their abilities, which is crucial for the Trojans’ success. Both Juju Watkins, with her 26-point performance, and Kiki Iriafen, who scored 14 points, have consistently reached double figures in scoring throughout all of USC’s 14 games this season.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred during the second quarter when the Trojans executed a fast break following a missed shot. Watkins maneuvered elegantly with a Eurostep around Jessica Petrie and completed a layup, pushing USC ahead 32-30. This play was a part of a significant 14-4 scoring run that allowed USC to maintain the lead for the remainder of the game.
Another notable statistic emerged as the Trojans outperformed the Cornhuskers in the second half, scoring 36 points compared to Nebraska’s 21. This marks the second consecutive game where USC has excelled in the second half, having dominated No. 23 Michigan by 20 points in the final 20 minutes of their previous match.
Looking ahead, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are scheduled to face Penn State at home on Sunday, while USC will be traveling to take on Rutgers on the same evening.
