Minnesota Golden Gophers Fall to No. 4 USC Trojans in Thrilling 82-69 Basketball Match

In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 4 USC Trojans dominated the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a 82-69 victory. Kiki Iriafen led USC with 23 points, while JuJu Watkins contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds. Despite a strong second half, Minnesota couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

The No. 4 USC Trojans women’s basketball team extended their winning streak to 15 games with a convincing 82-69 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The game, played at the Galen Center, saw Kiki Iriafen and JuJu Watkins lead the charge for USC. Iriafen scored 23 points and secured 11 rebounds, marking her seventh double-double of the season. Watkins, despite a slow start where she missed her first ten field goal attempts, finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, her fourth double-double of the season.
Minnesota’s Sophie Hart and Mallory Heyer put up strong performances, scoring 18 and 17 points respectively. However, the Gophers struggled to keep up with USC’s early lead, which extended to 15 points by halftime. Despite a late surge, Minnesota could not close the gap, with Avery Howell’s three-pointer halting their rally.
The Trojans’ improved shooting in the second half, converting 16 of 27 field goal attempts, sealed the win. This victory marks another significant win for USC, solidifying their position in the rankings.

What was the final score of the game?
The final score was 82-69 in favor of USC.
Who were the top scorers for USC?
Kiki Iriafen scored 23 points, and JuJu Watkins contributed 20 points.
How many rebounds did JuJu Watkins secure?
JuJu Watkins secured 11 rebounds.
What was the significance of this win for USC?
This win extended USC’s winning streak to 15 games.
Who were the standout players for Minnesota?
Sophie Hart and Mallory Heyer were the standout players for Minnesota, scoring 18 and 17 points respectively.

The USC Trojans’ victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers was a testament to their consistent performance and strong team dynamics. Despite a slow start from JuJu Watkins, the team’s overall effort led to a decisive win, extending their winning streak to 15 games.