In a highly anticipated matchup on February 8, 2025, the No. 7 USC Trojans delivered a commanding performance against the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes, securing an 84-63 victory at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. This win marked USC’s second consecutive triumph over Ohio State, underscoring the Trojans’ dominance in recent encounters.
Dominance on the Boards
A pivotal factor in USC’s victory was their overwhelming control of the rebounding battle. The Trojans amassed a staggering 62 rebounds compared to Ohio State’s 30, effectively doubling the Buckeyes’ efforts on the glass. This disparity provided USC with numerous second-chance opportunities and limited Ohio State’s offensive possessions. Kiki Iriafen led the charge with 13 rebounds, while JuJu Watkins and Kennedy Smith each contributed 10 and 13 rebounds, respectively.
Offensive Contributions
Despite a challenging shooting night for star guard JuJu Watkins, who went 5-for-21 from the field, the Trojans showcased their depth with multiple players stepping up offensively. Iriafen delivered a standout performance, scoring 24 points alongside her 13 rebounds, achieving a double-double. Watkins, despite her shooting struggles, managed to contribute 17 points and secured a double-double with her 10 rebounds. Kennedy Smith also recorded a double-double, adding 13 points and 13 rebounds to the team’s effort.
Team Depth and Resilience
USC’s head coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, emphasized the significance of the team’s depth in securing the victory. She noted that the ability of various players to contribute, even when key players face challenges, has been instrumental in the team’s success. This depth was evident as multiple players stepped up to fill the offensive void left by Watkins’ off-night, ensuring the team maintained its offensive momentum throughout the game.
Ohio State’s Struggles
On the other side, the Ohio State Buckeyes faced significant challenges. The substantial rebounding deficit limited their offensive opportunities and allowed USC to control the game’s tempo. Despite efforts to counter USC’s dominance, the Buckeyes were unable to overcome the Trojans’ physicality and depth. This loss marked Ohio State’s second consecutive defeat, following a prior loss to No. 1 UCLA, indicating a challenging period for the team.
Looking Ahead
The victory improved USC’s record to 21-2, reinforcing their position as a formidable force in women’s college basketball. The Trojans are set to face their toughest test yet against No. 1 UCLA in an upcoming matchup, a game that promises to be a significant indicator of their championship aspirations.
For Ohio State, the loss brought their record to 20-3. The Buckeyes will need to address the issues highlighted in this game, particularly their performance on the boards and the need for more consistent offensive contributions, as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
Historical Context
This game added another chapter to the growing rivalry between USC and Ohio State. In their previous encounter, USC also emerged victorious, highlighting a trend of dominance over the Buckeyes. The Trojans’ recent success can be attributed to their robust recruitment and development programs, which have cultivated a deep and versatile roster capable of performing under pressure.
Player Spotlights
- Kiki Iriafen: The junior forward has been a consistent performer for the Trojans, known for her scoring ability and presence in the paint. Her performance against Ohio State, where she led all scorers with 24 points and dominated the boards with 13 rebounds, underscores her importance to the team’s success.
- JuJu Watkins: Despite an off-night shooting, Watkins demonstrated resilience and contributed significantly in other areas. Her ability to impact the game beyond scoring highlights her versatility and value to the team.
- Kennedy Smith: Smith’s double-double performance showcased her emerging role as a key contributor for the Trojans. Her efforts on both ends of the floor provided a significant boost to the team’s performance.
Coaching Strategies
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s emphasis on utilizing the team’s depth has paid dividends throughout the season. Her strategy of fostering a next-player-up mentality ensures that the team can maintain a high level of performance, even when key players face challenges. This approach was evident in the game against Ohio State, where multiple players stepped up to contribute to the victory.
Fan and Media Reactions
The Trojans’ impressive performance has garnered attention from both fans and media outlets. Analysts have praised the team’s depth and resilience, noting that their ability to win convincingly, even when star players struggle, is a hallmark of a championship-caliber team. Fans have expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, especially with the highly anticipated matchup against No. 1 UCLA on the horizon.
Ohio State Falls Again to No. 7 USC: Trojans Outmuscle Buckeyes in 84-63 Victory
In what has become a frustrating trend for Ohio State, the Buckeyes suffered their second consecutive defeat at the hands of the No. 7 USC Trojans, falling 84-63. This lopsided loss was largely due to USC’s complete domination on the boards, as they out-rebounded Ohio State 62-30. The game, played at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, showcased the physicality and depth of the Trojans, who controlled the contest from start to finish.
Rebounding Woes and Defensive Struggles Cost Ohio State
One of the defining aspects of the game was USC’s ability to control the glass. The Trojans outrebounded Ohio State by an astonishing 32-board margin, limiting the Buckeyes’ second-chance opportunities while capitalizing on their own. This dominance in rebounding allowed USC to dictate the pace of play, slowing down Ohio State’s offense and forcing them into difficult shot attempts.
Kiki Iriafen led the rebounding assault for USC, pulling down 13 rebounds to go along with her game-high 24 points. She consistently imposed her will in the paint, using her size and athleticism to outmatch Ohio State’s frontcourt. Her ability to clean up misses and convert second-chance points proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome of the game.
JuJu Watkins also contributed heavily on the boards with 10 rebounds while adding 17 points. Although she struggled from the field, shooting just 5-for-21, her defensive intensity and rebounding effort helped offset her offensive inefficiency. Kennedy Smith also posted a double-double, finishing with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Ohio State’s Offensive Inconsistencies
For the Buckeyes, it was a night of struggles on the offensive end. Ohio State’s leading scorer, Cotie McMahon, was held in check by USC’s tenacious defense, finishing with just 12 points on 4-for-14 shooting. With USC controlling the boards, the Buckeyes found themselves unable to get into a rhythm offensively, shooting just 36% from the field.
The lack of ball movement was another significant issue for Ohio State. The team recorded only 11 assists in the game, compared to USC’s 17. With the Trojans locking down the paint, Ohio State was forced into contested jump shots that failed to fall. The Buckeyes also struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5-of-21 three-point attempts.
USC’s Depth and Versatility Shine
One of the key takeaways from the game was USC’s depth. Even with JuJu Watkins having an off night shooting, the Trojans proved they could still dominate against a top-tier opponent. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised her team’s resilience and ability to step up in key moments.
“Our depth has been one of our biggest strengths all season,” Gottlieb said postgame. “It’s not just one or two players carrying us. Everyone is contributing, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or playing tough defense. That’s what makes this team special.”
This depth was evident as four different players scored in double figures, and nearly every rotation player contributed on the defensive end. USC’s ability to rely on multiple scorers and defenders makes them a formidable opponent moving forward.
Ohio State’s Recent Struggles
For Ohio State, this loss marked their second straight against a top-10 opponent, having previously fallen to No. 1 UCLA. The Buckeyes now sit at 20-3 on the season, but concerns are growing about their ability to compete with elite teams, particularly in areas like rebounding and interior defense.
Coach Kevin McGuff acknowledged these issues after the game, stressing the need for improvements in physicality and execution.
“We’ve got to get tougher on the boards,” McGuff said. “We can’t give a team like USC that many second chances and expect to win. It’s about effort, positioning, and execution, and we just weren’t good enough in those areas tonight.”
The Buckeyes will need to regroup quickly, as their remaining schedule features several more high-profile matchups that could determine their NCAA tournament seeding.
What’s Next?
For USC, this victory solidifies their status as a legitimate championship contender. Now boasting a 21-2 record, the Trojans are riding a wave of momentum heading into a massive showdown with No. 1 UCLA. A win against their crosstown rivals would further bolster their credentials and potentially move them into the top five of the national rankings.
Meanwhile, Ohio State will need to address their glaring rebounding deficiencies if they hope to regain their footing before the postseason. With their tournament aspirations still very much alive, the Buckeyes must make the necessary adjustments to compete at the highest level.
Final Thoughts
USC’s 84-63 victory over Ohio State was a statement win, showcasing their rebounding dominance, depth, and defensive intensity. While JuJu Watkins had an off night shooting, the Trojans proved they could still win convincingly through their physical play and balanced scoring attack.
For Ohio State, this game exposed some critical weaknesses, particularly in rebounding and offensive execution. If the Buckeyes hope to make a deep postseason run, they will need to make significant adjustments in those areas.
As the regular season winds down, both teams face pivotal moments in their journey toward the NCAA tournament. For USC, the sky’s the limit. For Ohio State, the challenge now is to bounce back stronger and prove they can compete with the nation’s best.
One thing is certain: the road to the championship is only getting more intense from here.
Conclusion
USC’s 84-63 victory over Ohio State not only reinforced their position as a top contender in women’s college basketball but also highlighted the team’s depth, resilience, and strategic prowess. As the season progresses, the Trojans will look to build on this momentum, with their sights set firmly on championship success.