The No. 8 Ohio State women’s basketball team (20-2, 9-2) is wrapping up its West Coast road trip with a high-stakes showdown against the No. 7 USC Trojans (20-2, 10-1) on Saturday night in Los Angeles. After a tough 65-52 loss to top-ranked UCLA on Wednesday, the Buckeyes are looking to bounce back and make a statement against another elite opponent.
Ohio State’s Road Struggles
The Buckeyes struggled offensively against UCLA, shooting a season-low 29.7% from the field. Despite keeping the game close until the fourth quarter, they couldn’t overcome their poor shooting night or contain UCLA’s Lauren Betts inside. Now, they face another physically imposing team in USC, one that boasts a nation-leading 6.9 blocks per game and a lineup packed with elite athletes.
Matchup to Watch: JuJu Watkins vs. Ohio State Defense
USC’s JuJu Watkins has been nearly unstoppable this season. The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard leads the conference with 24.2 points per game and has the ability to dominate both inside and out. While she used to favor driving right, she has worked hard to become just as dangerous going left, making her even harder to defend.
Ohio State’s Taylor Thierry or Cotie McMahon will likely draw the assignment of guarding Watkins, but limiting her production is no small task. Watkins is also a strong passer, averaging 3.5 assists per game, meaning the Buckeyes can’t afford to overcommit on defense.
USC’s Inside Presence Could Be a Problem
Alongside Watkins, the Trojans have 6-foot-3 forward Kiki Iriafen, who is averaging 17.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. She thrives in the midrange and can knock down shots from anywhere inside the perimeter. Meanwhile, 6-foot-4 Rayah Marshall leads the team in rebounds and had a monster 18-point, 17-rebound performance in USC’s win over Ohio State last season.
The Buckeyes will need big performances from Ajae Petty and Elsa Lemmilä on the boards to keep USC from dominating second-chance opportunities.
How Ohio State Can Pull Off the Upset
For Ohio State to win, they must:
1. Force Turnovers – USC struggles when turning the ball over 18+ times in a game. The Buckeyes forced 23 turnovers against UCLA and need a similar defensive effort.
2. Make Shots – The Buckeyes had good shot selection against UCLA but simply couldn’t convert. Guards Chance Gray and Taylor Thierry must step up offensively.
3. Control the Boards – USC thrives on second-chance points. Keeping them off the glass will be key.
4. Full-Court Pressure – Ohio State’s press could disrupt USC’s offensive rhythm, just as Iowa did in their recent upset over the Trojans.
Prediction & How to Watch
This game will likely be closer than Ohio State’s loss to UCLA, but USC’s depth and athleticism give them the edge. Expect a competitive battle with USC pulling away late.
Prediction: USC 82, Ohio State 78
Game Details:
• Date: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: FOX Sports App
Ohio State will return home after this matchup, playing four of its final six regular-season games at the Schottenstein Center.
