PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — JuJu Watkins put up a season-high 34 points, despite being hampered by four fouls, and Kiki Iriafen contributed a career-best 30 points as No. 6 Southern California dominated Saint Louis 104-65 in the Acrisure Holiday Invitational on Friday night.
Watkins was efficient, hitting 7 of 9 from the free-throw line, and grabbed six rebounds. Iriafen, who also excelled from the line, made all 12 of her free throws and added 12 rebounds to her tally. Talia Von Oelhoffen contributed 13 points for the Trojans (6-1).
Saint Louis, however, kept the game competitive in the first half. They shot 48% in the second quarter while holding USC to 40%. The Billikens’ bench also outperformed the Trojans’ reserves, 10-5, to trail 42-37 at the break.
USC broke away in the third quarter, outscoring Saint Louis 37-8. Watkins was a key factor in an 18-0 scoring run, adding seven points during that stretch.
Mia Bergstrom led Saint Louis (3-5) with 19 points in the loss.
Takeaways
Saint Louis: The Billikens made a strong push in the first half. After falling behind by nine in the opening quarter, they capitalized on USC’s press and used a 12-1 run to outscore the Trojans 22-18 in the second quarter.
USC: The Trojans struggled early but found their rhythm in the second half. Once they settled in, the dynamic duo of Watkins and Iriafen proved to be unstoppable. USC improved to 2-0 in the desert, having previously dominated Seton Hall 84-51.
Key Moment
सम्बंधित ख़बरें
USC ramped up its defensive pressure in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, where they outscored Saint Louis 19-0 in points off turnovers.
Key Stat
Saint Louis struggled with ball control, committing 24 turnovers that led to 45 points for USC. The Billikens’ Gray had a team-high six turnovers.
Next Up
Saint Louis will host Murray State on Tuesday, while USC will face Cal Baptist at home the same day.
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