The No. 2 ranked USC women’s basketball team secured a thrilling 84-79 victory against Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, advancing to the finals. Led by standout performances from JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, the Trojans showcased their resilience and skill in a tightly contested match.

Key Takeaways

• JuJu Watkins scored a game-high 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, continuing her impressive season.
• Kiki Iriafen contributed significantly with 21 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the game.
• Indiana’s Yarden Garzon led her team with 23 points but was held scoreless in the final minutes.
• The game featured multiple lead changes, with Indiana briefly taking the lead in the third quarter.
• USC’s victory marks their continued dominance in the tournament, setting up a championship clash against either UCLA or Ohio State.

Game Overview

The match took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where both teams displayed high intensity and competitive spirit. Indiana, the No. 9 seed, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against the top-seeded Trojans.

USC started strong, establishing an early lead with an 8-0 run at the end of the first quarter. However, Indiana responded with grit, closing the gap and even taking a brief lead in the third quarter thanks to a scoring surge from Shay Ciezki.

Key Moments

• First Quarter: USC took control with a late run, ending the quarter 23-18.
• Second Quarter: Indiana fought back, with Garzon and Ciezki leading the charge, but USC maintained a slight edge at halftime, 42-40.
• Third Quarter: Indiana surged ahead 44-42, but USC quickly regained the lead, showcasing their depth and talent.
• Final Minutes: The game came down to the wire, with Indiana unable to convert crucial possessions, allowing USC to secure the win.

Player Highlights

• JuJu Watkins: Dominated the court with her scoring ability and rebounding, proving why she is considered one of the top players in the nation.
• Kiki Iriafen: Played a pivotal role in the Trojans’ offense, particularly in the second half, before fouling out late in the game.
• Yarden Garzon: Despite her strong performance, she struggled to find her rhythm in the final moments, which proved costly for Indiana.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, USC advances to the Big Ten Tournament finals, where they will face the winner of the matchup between UCLA and Ohio State. The Trojans aim to continue their impressive season and secure a conference title, while Indiana will look to regroup as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where they hope to make a deep run.

The match highlighted the competitive nature of women’s college basketball, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on USC as they strive for championship glory.

Sources

• Indiana Women’s Basketball Falls Short In 84-79 Loss To No. 2 USC, Sports Illustrated.
• No. 2 USC Women’s Basketball Fights Back To Beat Michigan 82-70 In Big Ten Tournament Semifinals, USC Athletics.
• USC women’s basketball advances to Big Ten Tournament final – Annenberg Media, Annenberg Media.
• COLUMN: Indiana women’s basketball should’ve beat USC. But it will be ready for the Big Dance, Indiana Daily Student.
• Indiana women’s basketball loses to USC and JuJu Watkins, 84-79, IndyStar.