Spokane, Wash. – Thinking could not have been clearer for USC aiming at its sweet conflict against the state of Kansas.
Troy horses, a woman without superstars Juju Watkins, were still expected to fulfill their billing as the highest seed and to go with the victory against Semen 5 Kansas State. And when they did, their celebration – remarkably dismantled to advance to the elite eight – reflected a team that remains much to do.
“This team really focuses on continuing our journey and reaching our goals, even though the journey looks a little different than it was a few days ago,” said coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “When we do it together, we’re able to be huge and that was more than anything else.”
The USC knew there would be a surprise on Saturday, because the opponents spend so much time searching Watkins. But even though Wildcats were able to concentrate on other players, the load was so evenly extended that they could not be stopped.
No player could individually replicate the production of Watkins or All-American Kiki Iriafen. What the USC had to do was to re -create Watkins in the aggregate by leaning towards the individual strengths of its remaining players, which is exactly what happened in the victory of 67-61.
This began with a piece of Watkins to the arena. Troy
.@Jujbuballllin is with @USCWBB in spirit ✌
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/jonfexc4gm
– USC Trojans (@USC_ATHLETICS) March 30, 2025
“That was huge for our team. That was just a little recognition for Juju and we let her know that we were thinking of it, and we love it. And we are grateful for where we are, and a lot of why we are here for her,” said Senior Rayah Marshall. “And the team looked good in shirts.”
REPPIN ’12 on the way to the arena ✌
We love you, Ju 🫶 pic.twitter.com/huo3htjkzzz
– USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) 29. March 2025
The next step was to play with the competitive fire Watkins. Freshman Avery Howell, who entered the start line for the second time (the first was when Marshall was not unavailable during the Big Opener), took over the role of Watkins’s role for defense. Howell said Watkins had a way to look like everywhere in court defensive, and wanted to imitate this effort, which she did on the melody of four thefts and eight rebounds. Her first theft led to the transition of the 3-report for herself, who interrupted the first quarter of 16-9.
Howell also filled out some of the Watkins breaking, gained 18 points and released four 3-proofers to almost equal the total (five) Kansas state alone. Howell had a sense of moment, with two of her three times directly after 3-point games from Wildcats and the fourth arrival after Kansas State reduced the lead to one in the fourth quarter.
When Howell provided scoring behind the arch, Kennedy Smith brought attacks to the trash. Watkins’ pressure rim is one of her best skills, especially in the transition, and Smith took seven shots directly into the trash, earned six free throws in this process to get a team high in 19., newcomer Kayleigh Heckel used her explosion to get into color.
Smith also maintained a USC defensive identity with its tireless pressure on Seren Sundell. Sundell scored her points (22), but most of her success came when Smith sat with unpleasant problems. In Smith’s 36 minutes, the Trojan horses overcame Wildcats by 19, which means they lost four minutes for 13 minutes by 13.
Without Watkins’ defense in color, Marshall and Clarice Akunwafo were just enough robust so that the guards could stay at home on three -point shooters. Marshall said they were practicing against their coordinator 6-Naha-8 video to prepare for physicality, and the duo limited the Kansas State Center Ayoka Lee to 6-Z-13 for 12 points, although the season played 32 minutes high.
Marshall also managed several High Post gaming games and led the USC in the rare Trifecta of rebounds, blocks and assistance.
Even IS Iriafen Limited in its scoring output and inability to get on the offensive glass – on 4.3 offensive plates, but was held on one – Trojan horses had enough.
“I always say that we have one to 15 talent and no one believes me when I say it. They think I’m just nice, but I’m so honest,” Iriafen said. “That’s really what helps us when we move forward, really just plays team basketball and anyone’s hot hand gives them the ball.”
Juju signed up for facetime 😂✌ pic.twitter.com/odji5ycvvo
– USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) March 30, 2025
Iriafen had momentum in the second round against the state of Mississippi and freshmen – No. 1 Recruitment class in the country for some reason – took a baton against the state of Kansas. A collective effort will be required against the second Uconn in Eight Eight, but the USC invent a new real -time plan. On the other hand, Huskies know better than anyone else that one injury is not enough to calculate the team.
Trojans now have evidence of the concept that the current iteration of Trojan horses can beat elite opponents.
“We had a lot of emotions, but none of them is doubt,” Gottlieb said. “The prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what Juju wants to do.”
(Photographs Kennedy Smith: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
