LOS ANGELES – The No. 7 USC women’s basketball team delivered a statement win on Saturday night, overpowering No. 8 Ohio State 84-63 at the Galen Center. Behind a dominant rebounding effort and three standout double-doubles, the Trojans (21-2, 11-1 Big Ten) strengthened their position as one of the top teams in the conference.
Trojans Take Control
After a slow start that saw USC fall behind early, the Trojans quickly found their rhythm, using their size and rebounding advantage to take control. They held a 34-26 halftime lead, then pulled away in the second half, outscoring Ohio State 50-37 after the break.
USC dominated the glass, grabbing 62 rebounds—the most by a Trojan team since 1999—and held a 32-rebound advantage (62-30) over Ohio State. The defensive effort was just as strong, limiting the Buckeyes to 29.4% shooting from the field and 18.2% from three-point range.
Key Performers
• Kiki Iriafenled the way with 24 points and 13 rebounds, notching her eighth double-doubleof the season.
• JuJu Watkinsrecorded 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking her 14th career double-double.
• Kennedy Smithposted her first career double-doublewith 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds.
• Rayah Marshalladded 10 points and four blocks, extending her streak of games with at least one block to 20 straight.
Ohio State’s Effort Falls Short
• Taylor Thierrypaced the Buckeyes with 14 points, five rebounds, and five steals.
• Cotie McMahonadded 13 points, while Chance Gray (12 points)and Jaloni Cambridge (11 points)also contributed.
• Ohio State, which had been allowing just 59.1 points per game, struggled defensively, giving up a season-high 84 points.
How the Game Unfolded
Ohio State started strong, jumping to a 7-2 lead before USC scored its first field goal—a Kennedy Smith three-pointer at 4:49 to tie the game at 7-7. The Trojans took their first lead shortly after and never looked back.
USC extended its lead to double digits in the second quarter behind a 6-0 run, capped off by an Iriafen bucket that made it 34-24.
The third quarter saw USC impose its will inside, with Iriafen scoring six quick points to start the half. The Trojans stretched their lead to 57-43 by the end of the third and never let Ohio State back into the game. A Watkins three-pointer in the final minute sealed USC’s 15th 20+ point victory of the season.
Notable Stats & Milestones
• USC’s 62 reboundsare the highest recorded by the team this century and the most since Dec. 11, 1999.
• USC is now 3-1 against top-10 teams this season.
• Kennedy Smith’s 13 reboundsset a career high, and she matched her career highs in assists (5), blocks (2), and three-pointers (3).
• JuJu Watkins is now tied for No. 14 on USC’s all-time scoring list with 1,469 career points.
• Rayah Marshall’s four blocksextend her streak of at least one block per game to 20 straight contests (49 total blocks in that span).
• **US
