In a thrilling matchup, top-seeded Southern California defeated Baylor 74-70 to secure a spot in the Elite Eight of the women's NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1994. Freshman standout JuJu Watkins was the star of the game, scoring 30 points and making a crucial go-ahead three-point play with just over three minutes remaining.
Watkins' performance was instrumental in USC's victory, as she scored nine consecutive points in the closing minutes and spearheaded an 8-0 run that sealed the win for the Trojans. Alongside Watkins, McKenzie Forbes contributed 14 points to help propel USC to the next round.
The Trojans, who have a storied history with national titles in 1983 and 1984, have now set their sights on reaching the Final Four. They will face either UConn or Duke in the Portland 3 Region final on Monday.
On the other side, Baylor put up a strong fight, with Sarah Andrews leading the team with 17 points. The Bears, making their 20th consecutive March Madness appearance, were aiming for their first Elite Eight berth since 2021.
Watkins' standout performance also saw her climb the ranks of freshman scoring records, surpassing notable names in the process. With 891 points so far, Watkins is just seven points shy of breaking the all-time freshman scoring record set in 1984.
Despite missing several shots from the field, Watkins showcased her prowess at the free-throw line, going 12 of 13 to help secure the victory for USC.
With this win, USC is now one step closer to making history and adding to its legacy in women's college basketball. The team's resilience and determination have propelled them to the Elite Eight, where they will look to continue their impressive tournament run.
For more updates on the NCAA women's tournament, you can follow the latest bracket and coverage on the official AP March Madness page.
