EUGENE In Saturday’s Big Ten women’s basketball opener, No. 6 USC defeated Oregon 66-53 behind 21 points from JuJu Watkins.
Before fouling out after 28 minutes, Watkins was 6 for 15 from the floor, including 3 of 9 three-pointers. The Trojans (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten) also had 17 points and 12 rebounds from Kiki Iriafen.
The Ducks were led by Deja Kelly with 16 points and Peyton Scott with 13.
After the first quarter, Oregon had a 13–12 lead, but USC scored the first 18 points in the second quarter and never fell behind. Watkins scored 15 points to help the Trojans increase their lead to 40-19 at the half.
Scott scored four points in a row to start the third quarter, but USC quickly responded with five points and maintained a double-digit advantage the rest of the way.
KEY LESSONS
USC: Following a defeat to No. 10 Notre Dame, the Trojans have won four straight games. Over the next three weeks, USC will resume its nonconference schedule, which includes a trip to No. 2 UConn.
Oregon: Despite having a 6-0 start to the season and rising to No. 23 in the AP rankings, the Ducks have already dropped three of their last four games.
A crucial moment
Oregon led 13–12 early thanks to a goal by Kelly, but USC scored 18 points in a row to start the second quarter and keep the Ducks scoreless for over five minutes. During that time, Watkins scored seven points of her own.
ESSENTIAL STAT
Oregon was outscored 45–31 by USC, including 34 defensive rebounds. Throughout the season, the Trojans are grabbing around 12 more rebounds per game than their rivals.
UPCOMING
On Tuesday night, USC faces Fresno State, and on December 17, Oregon hosts the Air Force.
— Associated Press | Steve Mims
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