LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen both contributed 22 points as No. 4 Southern California overcame 25th-ranked Illinois with a score of 76-66 on Sunday, ensuring that they remained in first place in the Big Ten conference.
The Trojans, boasting a record of 25-2 and 15-1 in conference play, achieved their eighth victory over a ranked opponent, thereby avoiding a tie with No. 3 UCLA. The Bruins managed to narrowly defeat Iowa on the road, upholding a 14-1 record.
In addition to the standout performances from Watkins and Iriafen, Rayah Marshall recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Trojans concluded their home games with a strong 14-1 record at the Galen Center after this match.
On the Illinois side, Genesis Bryant led her team with 22 points, while Kendall Bostic contributed 18 points and secured an impressive 16 rebounds. The Illini attempted a late-game surge, narrowing a significant 18-point gap by scoring 11 unanswered points to bring the score to 72-63, highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Berry Wallace and Bryant.
Bryant continued to boost Illinois with another three-pointer that cut the deficit to eight points, but Watkins sealed the game for the Trojans by making four consecutive free throws in the final moments.
Looking at the game dynamics, Illinois managed to cut down an 11-point deficit during the second quarter, finishing with a 10-3 run that brought them to a close 40-36 at halftime. They managed to limit USC to just one field goal out of nine attempts during that span and even took a brief lead at the start of the third quarter before the Trojans shifted the momentum in their favor.
The Trojans are currently enjoying a six-game winning streak. A pivotal moment occurred in the third quarter when the Trojans started with a rough patch, missing their first seven shots, allowing Illinois to tie the game at 40-40. However, USC responded by outscoring the Illini 17-7, taking a 57-47 lead heading into the final quarter. During that critical stretch, Marshall scored twice in quick succession, followed by four unanswered points from Watkins and five points added by Iriafen.
A key statistic from the game showed the Trojans’ effectiveness from the free-throw line, converting 16 out of 18 attempts, with Watkins flawless at the line hitting all ten of her shots. Additionally, their defensive efforts forced Illinois into 17 turnovers, which resulted in 21 points for USC.
Looking ahead, Illinois will host Michigan next Sunday in their final regular-season matchup, while USC will face their crosstown rival, No. 3 UCLA, on Saturday.
