USC Women’s Basketball Stuns Maryland with Thrilling Late Comeback

The USC women’s basketball team delivered an unforgettable performance on Wednesday night. They secured a thrilling 79-74 victory over the previously unbeaten and No. 8-ranked Maryland Terrapins.

The Trojans overcame numerous adversities to achieve this win. Despite facing significant challenges, the team showcased remarkable resilience and determination.

This victory not only handed Maryland its first loss of the season, but also highlighted the depth and potential of USC’s roster. Let’s delve into the key moments and players that defined this epic road comeback and what it means for USC moving forward.

Challenges and Adversities Faced by USC

USC’s encounter with Maryland was fraught with difficulties from the outset. The team had to contend with the absence of starter Talia von Oelhoffen, who was sidelined due to injury.

This unexpected setback was compounded by the tough, physical play of Maryland. The officiating also seemed to favor Maryland, with several USC players, including JuJu Watkins, struggling against the tight whistle.

JuJu Watkins’ Off Night

JuJu Watkins, usually a reliable offensive force, had a challenging night. She managed to hit only 7 of 19 shots, including 1 of 5 from beyond the arc, and committed 8 turnovers.

Maryland’s defense effectively neutralized her, forcing her into difficult mid-range jump shots and preventing her from driving to the basket. Despite these struggles, Watkins demonstrated her toughness by scoring crucial points in the game’s final moments, helping to keep USC in contention.

Key Performances by USC Players

Despite JuJu Watkins’ struggles, several other USC players stepped up to lead the team to victory. The contributions from the Trojans’ freshman class were particularly noteworthy, underscoring the depth and talent of this young squad.

Kennedy Smith’s Resilience

Kennedy Smith, a freshman, faced her own set of challenges with the officiating but managed to overcome them with a stellar performance.

She scored seven consecutive points during a critical 9-2 run that brought USC back from a 66-59 deficit. Smith’s ability to make winning plays despite the obstacles she faced was instrumental in the Trojans’ comeback.

Kayleigh Heckel’s Stepping Up

With Talia von Oelhoffen out, Kayleigh Heckel was called upon to take on more responsibilities. The freshman delivered, scoring 10 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and committing only 1 turnover.

Her smart play and offensive contributions were crucial in USC’s victory.

Avery Howell’s Clutch Performance

Avery Howell also made significant contributions off the bench. Her performance highlighted the depth of USC’s roster and the potential of its freshman class.

Kiki Iriafen’s Evolution

Kiki Iriafen played a pivotal role in USC’s victory, scoring 21 points and earning 9 free throw attempts. She demonstrated a growing understanding of her role within the team, focusing on scoring in the paint and low post.

Her smart, tough play was a key factor in USC’s success.

Defensive Efforts and Key Moments

While offensive contributions were crucial, USC’s defensive efforts also played a significant role in their victory. Rayah Marshall’s performance as a rim protector and shot blocker was particularly noteworthy.

Rayah Marshall’s Defensive Impact

Rayah Marshall’s ability to block shots and disrupt Maryland’s offense was a defining factor in the game’s closing moments. Her 15 rebounds and defensive presence helped USC lock down Maryland’s offense and secure the win.

Marshall’s performance underscored the importance of defense in USC’s strategy.

Implications for USC’s Season

This victory over Maryland has significant implications for USC’s season. It not only boosts their standings in the Big Ten but also strengthens their resume for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Big Ten Standings

With this win, USC has moved ahead of Maryland in the Big Ten standings, joining Ohio State and UCLA at the top. This victory is particularly significant as it represents the first head-to-head win among the top four teams in the conference.

USC’s ability to come out on top in such a crucial game bodes well for their prospects in the Big Ten.

Path to a No. 1 Seed

USC’s impressive road wins at UConn and Maryland, coupled with victories over Michigan, Nebraska, and Ole Miss, position them well for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Their only loss to an elite Notre Dame team does little to diminish their strong resume. As long as USC avoids significant stumbles in the remainder of the season, they should be in great shape for a top seed.

Upcoming Schedule and Expectations

The remainder of January presents a favorable schedule for USC, with games against Penn State, Northwestern, Indiana, Purdue, and Minnesota. Only Indiana poses a significant challenge, and even they are not as formidable as Maryland.

This stretch of games provides an opportunity for USC to solidify their position and build momentum heading into a tougher February schedule.

January Joy

With a current record of 15-1, USC has the potential to improve to 20-1 by the end of January. This period offers a chance for the team to fine-tune their strategies. They can also prepare for the more challenging opponents they will face in February.

The confidence gained from the victory over Maryland should serve them well in the coming weeks.

For a detailed breakdown of USC’s epic road comeback against Maryland, visit Trojans Wire.