WOMEN’S BASKETBALL — 2024-25
USC vs. Minnesota — as it happened
Last updated:
Scoring plays
Win probability
Game flow
Leaders
Points |
Rebounds |
Assists |
📌 PINNED
Leila MacKenzie from Galen Center; photos by Jake Berg
After an 18-day vacancy, the Galen Center locker rooms will finally welcome Minnesota for its bout with No. 4 USC women’s basketball.
Most recently, the Trojans pulled off a 31-0 run against Purdue on Jan. 22 to extend its win streak to 14 games. Minnesota may have the tools to slow USC’s sprint to a stroll as the Golden Gophers’ opponents average just 55.4 points per game. But note that USC boasts the nation’s No. 1 scoring margin and No. 12 scoring defense.
We’re reporting live from the arena. Refresh to see new updates.
8:48 p.m.
The Trojans conclude their visit home with an 82-69 victory over the Golden Gophers.
8:44 p.m.
With 16.1 seconds remaining in the contest, Watkins and Iriafen receive a standing ovation as they sub off the court.
8:29 p.m.
Despite an uncharacteristic first half, Watkins is driving into the paint with success again. She is shooting 50% from the field this half and has 14 points on the board. Leading 72-60, the Trojans continue to outscore Minnesota.
8:10 p.m.
Momentarily, Minnesota got its deficit down to a single-digit, but back-to-back triples by Howell now have the Trojans ahead by 17.
8:00 p.m.
Speaking of Watkins, she just opened second-half scoring with a jumper and then a quick triple. USC leads Minnesota 45-28.
7:58 p.m.
That was officially JuJu Watkins’ worst half of collegiate basketball. Watkins scored 2 points and shot 0-10 from the field, but the scoreboard shows none of those struggles. Seven other Trojans have contributed to their 12-point lead. Most notably, Iriafen has scored 14 points and collected eight rebounds.
7:46 p.m.
It’s halftime. The second quarter’s 2-point scoring margin certainly wasn’t as dominant as USC’s first frame, but the Trojans are still leading Minnesota 40-28. Both teams are shooting around 36% and Watkins is shooting 0-10 from the floor.
7:41 p.m.
A lapse in defense left Minnesota junior forward Mallory Heyer alone on the left wing. The open triple cut USC’s lead to 12 and less than a minute remains in the first half.
7:35 p.m.
Halftime is approaching and USC has extended its lead to 15 points.
The Trojans’ field goal distribution has been interesting. They are shooting 40% from 3-point range and 36.8% from everywhere else. Iriafen is the only player on either team with double-digit points.
7:31 p.m.
Sophomore guard JuJu Watkins has not converted a field goal. Watkins is 0-7 so far; her only points came from a couple of free throws early in the first quarter.
7:20 p.m.
Finally, USC finishes a first quarter with a lead. von Oelhoffen hit another open three to put the Trojans ahead of Minnesota 25-15 through the first 10 minutes.
7:19 p.m.
Minnesota has just as many turnovers as field goals. The Golden Gophers have converted three shots from the floor, placing their shooting percentage at 27%.
7:14 p.m.
Graduate forward Kiki Iriafen alone has triple the Golden Gophers’ current score. After back-to-back 3-point plays, Iriafen leads USC with 9 points.
7:10 p.m.
Graduate guard Talia von Oelhoffen nailed her first triple of the night to put the Trojans up 9-1 less than two minutes into the game. Prior to that shot, von Oelhoffen was 1-11 from beyond the arc during at-home Big Ten play.
7:01 p.m.
The Trojans’ starting five gets a new look tonight as junior center Clarice Akunwafo handles the tip:
Guard Kennedy Smith
Guard Talia von Oelhoffen
Guard JuJu Watkins
Forward Kiki Iriafen
Center Clarice Akunwafo
6:42 p.m.
Injury Update: Senior center Rayah Marshall us ruled out of today’s matchup with Minnesota. Marshall is dealing with a day-to-day injury.
5:37 p.m.
Although tipoff isn’t until 7 p.m., freshman guard Avery Howell is already practicing her 3-pointers, getting into her shooting groove to the smooth sounds of 2000s Alicia Keys and Rihanna.
