No. 4 Southern California defeated Indiana 73-66 on Sunday after overcoming an 11-point deficit behind to 22 points from JuJu Watkins and 13 points and 10 rebounds from Rayah Marshall.
It was the 13th consecutive victory for the Trojans (17-1, 7-0 Big Ten). In order to give the Trojans a 51-50 lead and seven points in a 12-0 fourth-quarter run, Watkins made sure of it with her late, spectacular, buzzer-beating 3-pointer to close the third quarter.
Sydney Parrish scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Hoosiers. With 13 points from Chloe Moore-McNeil and 10 points and 9 rebounds from Yarden Garzon, Indiana (12-6, 4-3) suffered its second consecutive home defeat.
After falling behind 25-14 in the first quarter, Southern Cal rallied to take a 38-32 lead at the half, increased the lead to nine in the third, and then needed Watkins’ help in the closing minutes.
Takeaways
USC: On a day with temperatures in the 30s and wind chills in the single digits, the Trojans took their time warming up. The Trojans then demonstrated why they have been among the top teams in the country this season.
Indiana: The resilient Hoosiers demonstrated what Indiana basketball should look like to their new league partner. They forced turnovers, played defense, and made Watkins’ job tough.
Key moment
Watkins had trouble getting into her rhythm for the majority of the game, but she got going with the three at the end of the third quarter. With 4:27 remaining, Southern Cal led 63-55 thanks to the final of her seven points during the 12-0 run.
Key stat
On a day when it was outscored 28-16 in the paint, Indiana, which depends mostly on its 3-point shooting, was only 8 of 29.
Up next
On Wednesday, the Trojans visit Purdue to resume their Midwestern journey. Indiana will play again on Friday against Oregon.