The highly anticipated matchup between No. 4 UConn and No. 7 USC took place in December, drawing a crowd of 15,684 fans at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. Star players like USC’s JuJu Watkins and UConn’s Paige Bueckers were the center of attention.
Watkins delivered clutch free throws down the stretch, securing a 72-70 victory for USC as UConn’s Sarah Strong missed crucial shots. This win was a sweet revenge for USC after their Elite Eight loss to UConn.
Both teams saw stellar performances from their key players. Watkins shone with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, while UConn’s Bueckers scored 22 points despite a tough shooting night. Strong also had a solid game but struggled with late free throws.
Bueckers defended Strong’s efforts in the game, emphasizing her positive impact and contribution to the team’s performance.
“Just to be clear, that game was not won or lost with those three free throws. Sarah was a huge part of that second half comeback and the reason we were even in the game.”
Paige Bueckers on Sarah Strong’s performance tonight: pic.twitter.com/1bUtZK8OdL
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) December 22, 2024
The game started with USC taking an early lead, but UConn fought back to make it a close contest in the end.
USC dominated the first half, building a significant lead by halftime with strong performances from Watkins and Iriafen.
UConn struggled to keep up in the first half, but Bueckers and Fudd made key plays to keep them in contention.
The matchup between Watkins and Bueckers added an extra layer of intensity to the game, with both players showcasing their skills on both ends of the court.
Despite USC’s early lead, UConn staged a comeback in the second half, led by Strong and Bueckers.
The game continued to be a back-and-forth battle in the final quarter, with both teams exchanging baskets and playing with playoff-like intensity.
In the end, USC’s clutch plays secured the victory, while UConn fell just short in their comeback attempt.
USC celebrated a hard-fought win against a top team, while UConn reflected on missed opportunities throughout the game.
The game showcased the talent and determination of both teams, setting the stage for more exciting matchups in the future.
While USC prepares for their next tough opponent, UConn looks to bounce back in their upcoming game against Providence.
