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The highly anticipated matchup between the USC Trojans and the Ohio State Buckeyes on February 8, 2025, ended with a decisive 84-63 victory for USC. With both teams ranked in the top 10, the game was a showcase of elite college basketball talent and provided fans with plenty to discuss.
Analyzing the Game
USC came into the game ranked seventh, with a record of 21-2 and a powerful lineup featuring star players like JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen. Meanwhile, Ohio State entered the game ranked eighth with a record of 20-3. This clash of titans was expected to be a close contest, but USC was able to pull away and assert their dominance in the second half.
Watkins, the Big Ten’s leading scorer, had a tough night shooting, finishing with 17 points on just 5-for-21 from the field and 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. Despite her struggles, she managed to contribute with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Her cold shooting start saw her miss her first 11 attempts, but she eventually found her rhythm in the second half, scoring 5 points during a critical 9-2 run that helped USC build a comfortable lead.
Key Players and Performances
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Shooting % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiki Iriafen | USC | 24 | 13 | 78% |
| JuJu Watkins | USC | 17 | 10 | 23.8% |
| Taylor Thierry | Ohio State | 14 | N/A | N/A |
| Cotie McMahon | Ohio State | 13 | N/A | N/A |
On the other side of the court, Ohio State’s Taylor Thierry led her team with 14 points before fouling out in the closing minutes. Cotie McMahon contributed with 13 points, but Ohio State struggled to find a rhythm against USC's aggressive defense. The Buckeyes had a solid start to the game, leading briefly, but were outplayed as the game progressed.
Turnovers and Shooting Struggles
One of the key takeaways from the game was the number of turnovers committed by both teams. USC, known for their offensive prowess, committed 23 turnovers—second-worst of the season. This could be a concern as they prepare for their next matchup against rival UCLA. On the flip side, Ohio State's inability to capitalize on these turnovers was crucial in their defeat.
Upcoming Challenges
As the season progresses, both teams face significant challenges ahead. USC will need to focus on improving their shooting consistency, especially from key players like Watkins, as they head into a high-stakes game against UCLA. Ohio State, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back against Minnesota after falling short in this matchup.
Overall, the battle between USC and Ohio State was a thrilling spectacle that highlighted the intense competition within women's college basketball. Fans can expect both teams to make adjustments as they push toward the postseason, and the rivalry between these programs remains as fierce as ever.
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