USC Women’s Basketball Extends Winning Streak with Ranked Victory over Michigan State
Los Angeles, Calif. – The USC Trojans women’s basketball team continued their impressive run of form with an 83-75 triumph over No. 22 Michigan State Spartans on Wednesday. Led by stellar performances from JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, the Trojans extended their winning streak to four games and solidified their position as a top contender in the Pac-12 Conference.
Superstar Watkins Shines Again
JuJu Watkins, the Trojans’ standout guard, once again showcased her exceptional talent, amassing a game-high 28 points. Her ability to score from both inside and outside the paint proved pivotal in keeping the Spartans at bay. Iriafen, the team’s senior forward, provided a valuable contribution with 24 points, further demonstrating the depth and balance within the USC roster.
Trojans Aim for Continued Success Against Illinois
With the victory over Michigan State, USC improved their record to 24-2 overall and 14-1 in the Pac-12. They will look to continue their winning ways on Sunday when they host No. 25 Illinois Fighting Illini at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.
The Fighting Illini enter the matchup with a 21-6 record and a 11-5 mark in conference play. They are coming off a disappointing 70-55 loss to UCLA on Thursday, which snapped an eight-game winning streak.
USC Poised for Victory in Senior Day Celebration
Sunday’s game against Illinois holds special significance for the Trojans, as it will be their final regular-season home game of the 2023-24 season. USC will celebrate Senior Day by honoring their graduating players before the contest.
The Trojans have a strong track record against ranked opponents this season, boasting a 7-1 record. Additionally, they have proven to be a formidable force when scoring 70 or more points per game, holding a perfect 21-0 record in such contests.
Game Details
Time: 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 23
Location: Galen Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
TV: FS1
Streaming: Fox Sports app, Fubo
Prediction
Despite Illinois’ recent loss, the Trojans are expected to emerge victorious on Sunday. USC’s combination of talent, depth, and home-court advantage gives them a significant edge in this highly anticipated matchup.
Predicted Score: USC 80, Illinois 65