USC Trojans Advance to Elite Eight Despite JuJu Watkins’ Absence
SPOKANE, Wash. — The resolve of the USC Trojans was palpable as they prepared for their Sweet 16 showdown against Kansas State. Despite being without their star player, JuJu Watkins, the team was determined to uphold their status as the top seed and secure a victory against the No. 5 seed Wildcats. Their subsequent win, a 67-61 triumph, was met with a subdued celebration, reflecting the Trojans’ focus on their journey ahead rather than a momentary victory.
“This team is really focused on continuing our journey and achieving our goals, even though the path looks a little different than it did just a few days ago,” said coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “We’re capable of achieving greatness when we work together, and that message has been our guiding principle.”
USC understood that they would present a new challenge for their opponents, who had dedicated significant time to scouting Watkins. However, even with Kansas State’s concentrated efforts on the Trojans’ other players, USC demonstrated that their collective talent was too vast to be contained by any single strategy.
While no one player could fill the void left by Watkins, not even All-American Kiki Iriafen, the Trojans effectively recreated her impact through the diverse strengths of their remaining roster. This collaborative effort culminated in a commanding performance that showcased their depth.
To honor Watkins, the Trojans wore shirts emblazoned with her image before the game and placed her Funko Pop doll on the bench. “That was huge for our team. It showed our appreciation for JuJu and reminded her that we’re thinking of her and love her. We’re grateful for where we are, and a lot of why we’re here is because of her,” senior Rayah Marshall expressed. “And the team looked great in the shirts.”
In the absence of Watkins, freshman Avery Howell stepped into a pivotal role. This was her second time starting this season (the first being when Marshall was unavailable during the Big Ten tournament opener), where she took on the defensive responsibilities that Watkins typically handled. Howell aimed to emulate Watkins’ tenacity on the court, achieving four steals and eight rebounds, which included a crucial transition 3-pointer that highlighted a strong start for the Trojans.
Howell also contributed significantly to the scoring, netting 18 points and making four 3-pointers, which almost matched Kansas State’s total of five. Her timing was impeccable, delivering two of her triples immediately after Kansas State’s successful 3-point plays and another when the Wildcats closed the gap in the fourth quarter.
While Howell provided the perimeter scoring, Kennedy Smith spearheaded the team’s attacks to the basket. Known for her ability to put pressure on the rim, Smith attempted seven shots directly at the basket, earning six free throws and leading the team in scoring with 19 points. Freshman Kayleigh Heckel also utilized her quickness to penetrate the paint, achieving all three of her field goals in the restricted area.
Defensively, Smith maintained USC’s identity with her aggressive defense on Kansas State’s Serena Sundell. Although Sundell managed to score 22 points, most of her success occurred when Smith was sidelined due to foul trouble. During the 36 minutes Smith was on the court, the Trojans outscored the Wildcats by 19 points, indicating her crucial role in the game.
In the paint, Marshall and Clarice Akunwafo stood firm, enabling the guards to focus on the perimeter shooters without compromising their defense. Marshall noted that they had prepared for the physicality by practicing against their 6-foot-8 video coordinator, which paid off as they limited Kansas State center Ayoka Lee to just 12 points on 6-of-13 shooting in a season-high 32 minutes of play. Marshall also showcased her versatility by contributing in rebounds, blocks, and assists.
Even with Iriafen’s scoring curtailed and her offensive rebounding diminished—she averages 4.3 offensive boards but managed only one—USC’s depth proved to be the winning factor.
“I always say we have talent one through 15, and nobody believes me when I say it. They think I’m just being nice, but I’m being completely honest,” Iriafen remarked. “What will help us moving forward is playing team basketball, and whoever is hot, we need to ensure they get the ball.”
Having previously set the tone in the second round against Mississippi State, the freshmen—part of the nation’s top recruiting class—stepped up against Kansas State, carrying the baton forward. As USC prepares for their next challenge against the second-seeded UConn in the Elite Eight, they are developing a new strategy in real-time. The Huskies are well aware that one injury is not enough to discount a team’s potential.
The Trojans exuded confidence in their capabilities, fueled by the narrative surrounding their journey. Now, they have tangible proof that this iteration of the Trojans can overcome elite adversaries. “We’ve experienced a lot of emotions, but none of them include doubt,” Gottlieb stated. “The prevailing feeling is that we can still achieve something remarkable together, and that’s exactly what JuJu wants us to do.”
(Photo of Kennedy Smith: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
