USC routs UNC Greensboro in NCAA Tournament first round

In the NCAA Tournament held in the United States, the USC Trojans faced off against the UNC Greensboro Spartans on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The match marked the inaugural encounter between the two teams this season. USC entered the game as a top seed with a record of 29-3, while UNC Greensboro was a 16th seed with a record of 25-7, having made only their second appearance in March Madness and their first in 27 years. Both teams had shown strong performances leading into this match, with USC winning nine out of their last ten games and UNC Greensboro on a perfect 10-0 streak leading up to this event. The game commenced with a strong defensive effort from both sides initially, but the Trojans quickly established dominance. After holding UNC Greensboro to 12 points in the first quarter, USC stormed ahead and never looked back. JuJu Watkins was a standout performer, showcasing her talents by scoring 22 points, despite appearing to struggle with minor injuries. Notably, Kiki Iriafen contributed significantly to the team's performance, achieving a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, UNC Greensboro struggled throughout the game, setting several season lows, including a historic low in points and shooting percentage. As the game unfolded, USC leveraged its pressure defense to force the Spartans into numerous turnovers. With a half-time score of 28-11 in favor of USC, the outcome seemed determined. The Trojans' depth was evident as head coach provided rest to the starters by emptying the bench in the last quarter. The game ultimately concluded with a 71-25 victory in USC's favor, marking a thorough rout of UNC Greensboro. With this win, USC advanced to the second round of the tournament, where they are set to play either the eighth-seeded California or the ninth-seeded Mississippi State, intensifying their pursuit of the championship. The performance by USC, especially by players like JuJu Watkins, solidifies their reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate basketball, while UNC Greensboro will look to regroup and learn from this experience as they aspire for future success in the NCAA Tournament.