USC Women’s Basketball Extends Win Streak Despite Juju Watkins’ Struggles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The No. 4-ranked USC women’s basketball team extended its winning streak to 15 games Thursday night, defeating Minnesota 82-69 at Galen Center despite an uncharacteristically poor shooting performance from star guard Juju Watkins.

Watkins, a national player of the year candidate averaging 24.8 points per game, went 0-for-10 in the first half and finished 7-for-24 from the field. The sophomore still managed 20 points and 11 rebounds, but her 29% shooting marked one of her least efficient performances in two seasons with the Trojans (19-1, 9-0 Big Ten).

“Every step seemed like a struggle,” said USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “Her touch was off. Her drives were thwarted. Open shots refused to fall.”

Forward Kiki Iriafen picked up the slack, scoring 23 points with 11 rebounds and three assists. The junior, who had made just two three-pointers in her previous 19 games, hit two from beyond the arc in the first quarter as part of a dominant start for USC.

The Trojans raced to a 20-5 lead in the first six minutes, hitting five of 11 three-point attempts in the opening quarter. Minnesota (18-4, 6-4) never recovered from the early deficit, though they cut the lead to six points with 8:10 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Sophie Hart led Minnesota with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Mallory Heyer added 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting from three-point range. The Gophers, who face No. 1 UCLA on Sunday, struggled to contain USC’s perimeter shooting, allowing 11 three-pointers on 27 attempts.

“We found our footing and traded punches with them,” said Minnesota coach Dawn Plitzuweit. “But against a team like USC, you can’t spot them 15 points and expect to win.”

USC’s bench outscored Minnesota’s 20-5, with freshman Avery Howell contributing 12 points and Kennedy Smith adding nine. The Trojans have now won 15 consecutive games, their longest streak since the 1985-86 season.