US EditionNCAA Tournament: USC women hold off Kansas State to reach Elite Eight
- On March 24, 2025, Kiki Iriafen , Talia von Oelhoffen , and Kennedy Smith celebrated a score during the third quarter of the NCAA Tournament second round game between the USC Trojans and Mississippi State Bulldogs at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.
- The celebration occurred amidst the looming absence of All-American sophomore JuJu Watkins, who averages 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, due to a season-ending knee injury sustained in Monday's second-round blowout victory against Mississippi State.
- USC, with a 30-3 record, rallied after Watkins' injury in the 96-59 victory over Mississippi State, with Kiki Iriafen leading the team with 36 points and nine rebounds, highlighting the need for continued strong performances to fill the void left by Watkins.
- USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb acknowledged Watkins' irreplaceable impact, stating, "Everyone knows no one is replacing JuJu," while emphasizing the significant roles of other players and encouraging the team to be the best versions of themselves to achieve success.
- As USC prepares for Saturday's Spokane Region 4 Sweet 16 matchup, the team is receiving an outpouring of support, including heartfelt messages from former teammate India Otto, who wrote, "You’re not defined by any singular moment, but by your collection of greatness you’ve earned through your incomparable dedication, work ethic, sacrifices, and long hours in the gym," and fellow coaches.
114 Articles
114 Articles
March Madness: USC shakes off JuJu Watkins' absence and beats Kansas State, advances to Elite 8
Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament on Saturday.
Minus JuJu, USC flexes 'chemistry,' bounces KSU
Playing for the first time since learning JuJu Watkins will miss the rest of the NCAA tournament with an ACL tear, the USC Trojans used key contributions from their freshman class to defeat the Kansas State Wildcats 67-61 and advance to the Elite Eight.
Press-Telegram
NCAA Tournament: USC women hold off Kansas State to reach Elite Eight
SPOKANE, Ore. — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help USC hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Saturday. The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before Watkins tore her right ACL during a second-round victory over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with Paige Bueckers and second-s…
Associated Press News
USC shakes off JuJu Watkins' absence and beats Kansas State 67-61 in March Madness
Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
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