JuJu Watkins leads USC to dominate victory over Saint Louis

On Friday night, November 29, 2024, in Palm Desert, California, the No. 6 ranked Southern California women's basketball team achieved a significant victory against Saint Louis, winning 104-65 in the Acrisure Holiday Invitational. JuJu Watkins delivered an outstanding performance by scoring a season-high 34 points despite encountering foul trouble throughout the game. Alongside her, Kiki Iriafen contributed a commendable career-best 30 points and effectively dominated the rebounds with a total of 12, showcasing the Trojans' strong inside presence. The first half of the game saw a competitive spirit from Saint Louis, who managed to keep the score within reach, trailing 42-37 at halftime. Mia Bergstrom led the Billikens with a notable 19 points. The team attempted to counter USC's aggressive press defense, managing an impressive 12-1 run to momentarily gain momentum in the second quarter. They shot 48% from the field during that period, directly challenging USC’s earlier dominance, but ultimately the Trojans were able to regroup. In the second half, the tide turned entirely in favor of USC. The Trojans made significant adjustments on defense, leading to an explosive third quarter where they outscored Saint Louis 37-8. This turnaround included a remarkable 19-0 advantage in points off turnovers for USC, indicating the impact of their defensive strategy. Throughout the game, the Billikens struggled with ball security, committing a total of 24 turnovers, which led to 45 points for the Trojans—a defining factor in the game's outcome. USC's victory marks their second win in successive games played in the desert region, having previously triumphed over Seton Hall 84-51. The loss leaves Saint Louis with a record of 3-5, while USC improves to 6-1. Both teams are set to continue their respective seasons with upcoming games, with Saint Louis scheduled to host Murray State and USC facing Cal Baptist next.