In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 4 Southern California showcased their dominance by defeating No. 23 Michigan with a final score of 78-58 on Sunday night. The Trojans, now standing at 12-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten, put on a stellar performance led by JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen.
Watkins was the standout player of the game, scoring an impressive 31 points while demonstrating exceptional accuracy from the free-throw line, making 13 of 14 attempts. Additionally, she contributed significantly in other areas with five rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and three blocks. Iriafen also played a crucial role, adding 18 points to USC's tally.
Michigan, despite their efforts, fell short against the Trojans. Jordan Hobbs led the Wolverines with 19 points, followed by Greta Kampschroeder with 14 points and Olivia Olson with 11.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Michigan's Hobbs scored 14 consecutive points, including four consecutive 3-pointers, narrowing the gap to 34-31 at halftime. However, USC's strong performance in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, secured their victory.
One key statistic that favored USC was their exceptional free-throw shooting, going 20 of 23 from the line. This accuracy was crucial in pivotal moments of the game, especially in the third quarter when they trailed by two points before reclaiming a comfortable lead heading into the final quarter.
Looking ahead, Michigan will face another tough challenge as they visit top-ranked UCLA, while USC will host Nebraska in their upcoming games on Wednesday.
Despite Michigan's struggles against ranked opponents this season, they continue to show resilience and determination. USC, on the other hand, maintains their strong position in the rankings with this impressive victory.
For more updates and news on AP Top 25 women's college basketball, stay tuned to the latest updates on the AP website.
