USC Trojans Make History with Thrilling Win Over UConn in Women's Basketball Showdown

As the final buzzer sounded at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, the sound of jubilation erupted as the No. 7 USC Trojans secured a thrilling 72-70 victory over the No. 4 UConn Huskies. This monumental win marks a historic moment for USC, as it is the first time the Trojans have vanquished the storied program of UConn in their history. JuJu Watkins, with a standout performance netting 25 points, was a pivotal force in the triumph, and as she celebrated, it was evident that this game meant much more than just a win. Watkins reflected on the significance of the victory, particularly in the context of their previous encounter in the Elite Eight last April. "It hit a little different knowing the history from last year and how they sent us home," she said, hinting at the emotional weight that this victory carried for the team. For head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, this win represents not just a point in the season but a recognition of the hard work and aspirations that have defined her tenure at USC. She acknowledged the impact of UConn’s program and its legendary coach, Geno Auriemma, on the sport of women’s basketball. “This is what basketball excellence was,” Gottlieb stated, highlighting the influence UConn has had on many aspiring coaches and players. Gottlieb is in her fourth season with the Trojans and has been instrumental in revitalizing the program, which has experienced a resurgence in recent years. After capturing the Pac-12 tournament title last season and making consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in nearly two decades, Gottlieb is determined to position USC among the elite in women’s basketball once again. Watkins, a first-team All-American and last year's national freshman of the year, serves as the centerpiece of this revival. The atmosphere in the XL Center was electric, with nearly 16,000 fans predominantly wearing UConn colors, but a dedicated section of USC supporters added to the energy. Watkins noted the importance of their fans in this victory, emphasizing how their presence made the experience even more special. The win against UConn not only bolsters USC's resume as a contender for the national title but also serves as a testament to their resilience as a team. The Trojans, now with an impressive 11-1 record, demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity as they relinquished a 13-point halftime lead but managed to regain their composure and finish strong. Gottlieb's leadership was pivotal in reinforcing unity within the team after their lone loss to Notre Dame earlier in the season. USC's performance was marked by their tactical prowess, evidenced by their third-best defense and 15th-ranked offense in the country. The team's ability to convert in transition and capitalize off turnovers bodes well as they look toward the rest of the season. Watkins, who not only led the scoring but contributed significantly in rebounds, assists, and blocks, proved why she is a generational talent. Her poise in high-pressure moments was a crucial factor in USC's victory, and Auriemma acknowledged her impact, noting that "one player can't guard (Watkins)" effectively. As the Trojans celebrated in their locker room, dousing Gottlieb with water, it was clear that this victory was a milestone for the program, a moment of joy that can propel them forward. “For me now to bring a team here, to know we could do it, and then to actually do it is incredibly meaningful,” Gottlieb expressed. With this historic win, USC not only etched its name in the annals of women's basketball history but also ignited hope and ambition for what lies ahead in the season. The Trojans have shown they can compete with the best, and as they build on this momentum, a bright future awaits.