The No. 4 USC Trojans and No. 22 Michigan State Spartans treated fans to an instant classic on Wednesday night, with the Trojans emerging victorious 83-75 in a crucial Big Ten clash. In a game featuring two of the nation’s most explosive offenses, it was the star power of USC’s JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen that ultimately proved the difference.
Watkins and Iriafen Shine on the Big Stage
Watkins, the Big Ten’s leading scorer at 24.3 points per game, was electric from the opening tip. The sensational sophomore poured in 28 points on an efficient 11-18 shooting, showcasing the limitless offensive arsenal that has NBA scouts salivating. Not to be outdone, Iriafen turned in a monstrous double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds, imposing her will in the paint against the Spartans’ overmatched front line.
The dynamic duo’s dominance was exemplified during a pivotal third quarter run. Leading 59-49 with just under five minutes remaining in the period, Watkins and Iriafen combined to score USC’s next 16 points, stretching the advantage to 21 and seemingly putting the game out of reach.
When JuJu and Kiki are rolling like that, we’re a very tough team to beat. They feed off each other’s energy and have developed incredible chemistry. It’s a joy to watch them work.
USC head coach Sarah Enright
Spartans Show Fight, But Fall Short
To their credit, the Spartans refused to fold. Trailing 71-53 entering the fourth quarter, Michigan State mounted a furious rally behind the stellar play of Grace VanSlooten. The sophomore was brilliant in defeat, tying her career high with 29 points on 12-20 shooting, while junior Julia Ayrault added 16 points and 10 rebounds.
A 15-4 Spartan run trimmed the deficit to 74-68 with four minutes to play, but clutch buckets by Watkins and freshman phenom Kennedy Smith kept Michigan State at bay. In the end, USC simply had too much firepower, handing the Spartans their second loss to a top-5 opponent in the span of four days.
Trojans Cement Status as Title Threats
The victory improved USC to a sparkling 24-2 on the season, including a 14-1 mark in Big Ten play. More impressively, the Trojans are now 7-1 against ranked opponents, with their only loss coming to No. 2 Texas back in December. With Watkins and Iriafen leading the charge and a deep supporting cast in tow, USC has firmly established itself as a legitimate national championship contender.
- USC’s record vs ranked teams: 7-1
- Watkins and Iriafen 20+ point games: 8
The road doesn’t get any easier for the Trojans, who welcome No. 25 Illinois to the Galen Center on Sunday. USC will be seeking a measure of revenge against the Fighting Illini, who handed them their lone conference loss in a 71-69 heartbreaker back on January 19th.
We’re not satisfied. We know we let one slip away against Illinois last time, and we’ve had this rematch circled on our calendar. Playing at home in front of our fans with a chance to clinch at least a share of the Big Ten title? We’ll be ready.
USC guard Charisma Osborne
Tough Road Ahead for Spartans
At 19-7 overall and 9-6 in the Big Ten, Michigan State finds itself squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. The Spartans missed a golden opportunity to bolster their resume with the loss to USC, and things won’t get any easier when they host No. 11 Indiana on Sunday. To feel secure heading into Selection Sunday, Michigan State likely needs to win at least four of its final five regular season games.
Despite the tough road ahead, Spartans head coach Naya Watson remains confident her team will rise to the occasion.
There are no moral victories, but I love the fight and resilience our team showed tonight. JuJu Watkins is a special talent and USC is one heck of a basketball team, but we went toe-to-toe with them for 40 minutes. If we bring that same effort and intensity down the stretch, I have no doubt we’ll be playing our best basketball in March.
Michigan State head coach Naya Watson
As the regular season enters its final weeks, the Big Ten remains one of the deepest and most competitive leagues in the nation. With heavyweights USC and Indiana leading the way and a slew of teams fighting for NCAA Tournament positioning, buckle up for what promises to be a thrilling stretch run in the conference.
