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Watkins Leads USC to First-Ever 72-70 Win Over No. 4 UConn in Elite Eight Rematch

Dec 22, 2024, 02:39 AM

No. 7 USC women's basketball team secured their first-ever victory over No. 4 UConn, winning a thrilling 72-70 game in Hartford, in front of a sold-out crowd. In a nationally televised prime-time game on Fox, the Trojans avenged last season's Elite Eight loss to the Huskies. USC's star freshman JuJu Watkins led the team with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, shooting 9-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. After the game, Watkins described it as 'a surreal moment for me.' Under coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the Trojans improved to 11-1, bouncing back from a previous loss to Notre Dame. UConn's Paige Bueckers scored 22 points, and freshman Sarah Strong contributed significantly to keep the Huskies in the game. Azzi Fudd returned from injury for UConn but played only eight minutes. The intense matchup between Watkins and Bueckers featured several highlight plays, including Watkins blocking Bueckers' shot and scoring on the other end. The Trojans celebrated their historic win with a raucous locker room celebration.