WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In a dominant display, freshman Avery Howell led the charge for Southern California with a season-high 18 points, while JuJu Watkins contributed 16 points and seven rebounds as the No. 4 ranked Trojans triumphed over Purdue with a commanding score of 79-37 on Wednesday evening.

The Trojans, who now sport an impressive record of 18-1 and an undefeated 8-0 in Big Ten play, showcased their defensive prowess in the second quarter, allowing Purdue to score just two points. This victory marks Southern California’s 14th consecutive win; significantly, four of those conference victories have come by margins of 20 points or more.

Kendall Puryear was the standout for the Boilermakers, finishing the game with 10 points as Purdue experienced their seventh consecutive loss. Destini Lombard ignited her team with a quick eight points within the first four minutes of play, helping Purdue secure a surprising 16-10 advantage in the first quarter.

However, the Trojans turned the tide with an astonishing 31-0 run, which did not conclude until Jordyn Poole made a mid-range jumper right before the shot-clock expired at the 1:57 mark of the second quarter. With a significant lead of 46-18 at halftime, Purdue struggled to gain momentum in the second half.

In a concerning moment for Southern California, starting forward Kiki Iriafen left the game due to an ankle injury incurred in the second quarter. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed hope that the injury would not be severe.

Key Takeaways:

Southern California: The Trojans have successfully swept their rigorous Midwestern road trip, achieving two double-digit victories and affirming their status as a top-five team.

Purdue: The Boilermakers remain winless against ranked opponents this season, now with a record of 0-9 against such competitors. Despite starting stronger than they did two weeks prior against No. 1 UCLA, Purdue’s young roster struggles to maintain competitiveness against elite teams and prominent players.

Key Moment:

Purdue faced a severe scoring drought, going 8 minutes and 2 seconds without a point while committing eight turnovers within that timeframe.

Key Stat:

Southern California was efficient from beyond the arc, making 11 of 30 three-point attempts, whereas Purdue managed only two successful shots out of 15 attempts.

Upcoming Matches:

The Trojans will enjoy a much-needed break before their next game against No. 23 Minnesota on January 30. Meanwhile, Purdue will aim to break their losing streak when they face Illinois on Monday.