In a thrilling display of talent and teamwork, the No. 4 USC Trojans women’s basketball team secured an 83-75 victory over the No. 22 Michigan State Spartans on Wednesday, February 19, at the Galen Center. This win not only marked USC’s seventh triumph over a ranked opponent this season but also highlighted the dynamic performances of standout players JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen.
Fresh off a monumental upset against then-No. 1 UCLA, the Trojans entered the game with palpable momentum. Watkins led the charge against Michigan State, delivering an impressive 28 points, complemented by 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals. Her versatility on the court continues to be a cornerstone of USC’s success. Reflecting on her performance, Watkins emphasized her holistic approach to the game, stating, “I consider myself an all-around player.”
Equally instrumental was Iriafen, who contributed 24 points and dominated the boards with 10 rebounds. The synergy between Watkins and Iriafen has become a defining feature of the Trojans’ gameplay. Watkins expressed her admiration for her teammate, noting, “Who wouldn’t want to play with Kiki? She makes everybody’s life easier and motivates the whole team to be competitive. She gives us a lot of energy on both sides of the court.”
The significance of the evening extended beyond the scoreboard. The matchup was designated as USC’s annual Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness Game, honoring the legacy of Coach Kay Yow and supporting cancer research. The Trojans donned jerseys lined with pink, and the first 1,000 fans received complimentary Play4Kay t-shirts, fostering a unified front in the fight against cancer. USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb reflected on the event’s importance, stating, “It’s an honor and privilege to play for something bigger than ourselves.” Senior Rayah Marshall, serving as an ambassador for the fund, further emphasized the team’s commitment to the cause.
The game itself was a testament to USC’s resilience and strategic prowess. The Trojans maintained control throughout, executing pivotal 7-0 scoring runs and showcasing robust defensive plays. Despite a formidable 29-point performance from Michigan State’s Grace VanSlooten, the Spartans struggled with perimeter shooting, going 1-for-13 from beyond the arc, and were outrebounded 45-37. USC’s ability to capitalize on these aspects underscored their preparedness and adaptability.
With this victory, USC improves to a 24-2 overall record and 14-1 in Big Ten play, positioning themselves favorably as the postseason approaches. The Trojans have two regular-season games remaining, providing further opportunities to solidify their standing and continue their impressive streak. Their remaining games are at home on Sunday, February 23, against Illinois at 1 p.m. and on the road against No. 3 UCLA on Saturday, March 1, at 6 p.m.