No. 7 USC Dominates No. 8 Ohio State, Secures Big Ten Victory
In a commanding performance on Saturday night at the Galen Center, top-ranked No. 7 USC women’s basketball team overwhelmed No. 8 Ohio State, emerging with an 84-63 triumph. This victory cements USC’s position as a formidable force in the Big Ten, while providing a stark contrast to Ohio State’s recent struggles.
USC’s Dominant Performance
The USC Trojans (21-2, 11-1 Big Ten) showcased their depth and versatility throughout the game. Key contributions came from multiple players, but standouts were Kiki Iriafen and JuJu Watkins. Iriafen’s all-around performance included a game-high 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Watkins overcame a slow start to finish with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kennedy Smith also delivered a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
The Trojans’ dominant effort was further highlighted by their rebounding supremacy and shot-blocking prowess. USC out-rebounded Ohio State 62-30 and blocked 10 shots from the Buckeyes, underscoring their ability to win the physical battle within the paint.
Ohio State’s Initial Resistance
Ohio State (20-3, 9-3 Big Ten) began the game with an impressive defensive display, forcing five early turnovers and holding USC scoreless for the first four minutes. However, the Buckeyes failed to capitalize on this early momentum. As the game unfolded, they struggled to keep the pace set by USC and failed to maintain a narrow lead.
By halftime, USC had taken control with a 34-26 lead. The third quarter saw Ohio State make one final push to trim the deficit to single digits. However, USC’s resilience and attack were too much to overcome. A critical 7-0 run, spurred by Watkins’ first field goal, solidified the Trojans’ lead and set the stage for an easier win in the final quarter.
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Key Players for Ohio State
Taylor Thierry led Ohio State with 14 points, five rebounds, and five steals, demonstrating her defensive prowess and offensive abilities. Cotie McMahon followed with 13 points and Chance Gray contributed 12. Despite their efforts, Ohio State’s shooting woes and struggles in the paint proved too much to overcome. The Buckeyes shot just 29% from the field and were ineffective from beyond the arc, converting only 2-of-11 attempts from three-point range.
Upcoming Matches and Impact of the Win
The win serves as a major boost for USC as they prepare for their high-stakes rivalry game against top-ranked UCLA on Thursday, February 13. With the momentum on their side, the Trojans head into this critical matchup with increased confidence.
For Ohio State, the defeat continues their recent challenges. Returning home to face Minnesota next week will provide an opportunity for redemption, but the Buckeyes will need to address their fundamental issues to bounce back from this loss.
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