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No. 7 USC Dominates No. 8 Ohio State, Secures 84-63 Top-10 Victory

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.

More News:  Ohio State Recruiting Staffer Departs for LSU

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

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