The clash between the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the University of Connecticut USC vs. UConn Huskies in women’s basketball ignites passion among fans and showcases elite talent on the court. These two programs, steeped in tradition and success, have delivered thrilling matchups in recent years, particularly in the NCAA Tournament. Their encounters highlight contrasting styles, star players, and coaching philosophies, making each game a must-watch event. This article dives into the latest chapter of this budding rivalry, focusing on their 2024-2025 season meetings, key players, historical context, and what lies ahead for both teams.
A Storied Rivalry: USC and UConn’s Basketball Legacy
USC’s Rise in the Pac-12 and Beyond
USC’s women’s basketball program has experienced a resurgence under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. The Trojans have built a reputation for fast-paced, dynamic play, leveraging their roster’s depth and athleticism. In recent seasons, USC has emerged as a powerhouse in the Pac-12, transitioning to the Big Ten in 2024. Their ability to recruit top talent, such as JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, has elevated their status. The Trojans’ 2024-2025 season showcased their potential, with a 31-4 record before facing UConn in the NCAA Tournament. Their home dominance, with a 17-1 record at the Galen Center, underscores their strength.
Moreover, USC’s offensive firepower, averaging 80 points per game, relies on precise shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. The Trojans’ ability to adapt to high-pressure situations has made them a formidable opponent. Their recent success against UConn, including a regular-season victory, signals their intent to challenge the sport’s traditional giants. As USC continues to grow, their rivalry with UConn promises more electrifying battles.
UConn’s Dynasty and Unmatched Pedigree
UConn, coached by the legendary Geno Auriemma, remains the gold standard in women’s basketball. With 12 national championships, including their 2025 title, the Huskies boast an unparalleled legacy. Their 2024-2025 season culminated in a 37-3 record, with dominant performances against top-seeded teams like USC, UCLA, and South Carolina. UConn’s disciplined, team-oriented approach, combined with elite talent like Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong, makes them a perennial contender.
Furthermore, UConn’s ability to reload with young stars ensures their dominance. Their 2025 NCAA Tournament run, highlighted by a 78-64 Elite Eight win over USC, showcased their depth and resilience. The Huskies’ defense, which held opponents to under 60 points in multiple tournament games, remains a cornerstone of their success. As UConn continues to set the bar, their matchups with USC test their ability to fend off emerging challengers.
The 2024-2025 Season: USC vs. UConn Showdowns
December 2024: USC’s Breakthrough Victory
On December 21, 2024, USC hosted UConn in a highly anticipated regular-season game at the Galen Center. The Trojans, ranked No. 7, faced a No. 4 UConn team missing key players like Aubrey Griffin and dealing with a limited Azzi Fudd. Despite UConn’s resilience, USC capitalized on their home-court advantage, securing a 72-70 victory. JuJu Watkins led the Trojans with 25 points, showcasing her ability to deliver in clutch moments. The Trojans’ efficient shooting, with 49.2% from the field and 56.3% from three-point range, overwhelmed UConn’s defense.
However, UConn stayed competitive, with Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong combining for 40 points. The Huskies’ 43.5% field goal percentage and 26.1% from beyond the arc reflected their struggle to match USC’s offensive output. This game marked USC’s first-ever win over UConn, a historic moment for the program. The narrow margin highlighted the growing parity between the two teams, setting the stage for their postseason rematch.
March 31, 2025: UConn’s Elite Eight Redemption
The NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight on March 31, 2025, brought USC and UConn face-to-face again in Spokane, Washington. This time, UConn, the No. 2 seed, faced a No. 1 seed USC team without their star guard JuJu Watkins, sidelined by a season-ending knee injury from the second round. The Huskies seized the opportunity, defeating USC 78-64 to advance to their 24th Final Four. Paige Bueckers delivered a stellar performance, scoring 31 points, while Sarah Strong added 20 points and 12 rebounds.
USC fought valiantly, with Rayah Marshall stepping up with 23 points and 15 rebounds. However, the Trojans’ 11 first-half turnovers and inability to contain UConn’s balanced attack proved costly. UConn’s 25-14 second-quarter surge gave them a 39-25 halftime lead, which they maintained through the game. This victory underscored UConn’s ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, even against a talented USC squad. The loss ended USC’s season at 31-4, while UConn marched toward their 12th national title.
Key Players Driving the Rivalry
USC’s Standouts: Watkins, Marshall, and Iriafen
JuJu Watkins, a sophomore sensation, has become the face of USC’s program. Averaging 23.9 points per game in 2024-2025, Watkins earned the John R. Wooden Award, outpacing UConn’s Bueckers. Her scoring versatility and ability to create her own shot make her a matchup nightmare. Despite her injury in the NCAA Tournament, Watkins’ regular-season dominance against UConn showcased her potential to shift the rivalry’s balance.
Additionally, Rayah Marshall, a senior center, anchors USC’s frontcourt. Her 23-point, 15-rebound performance against UConn in the Elite Eight highlighted her ability to dominate the paint. Marshall’s defensive presence and rebounding prowess complement USC’s up-tempo style. Kiki Iriafen, a transfer from Stanford, adds scoring depth, averaging 15 points per game. Her physicality and mid-range game challenge opposing defenses, making her a critical piece for USC’s future.
UConn’s Stars: Bueckers, Strong, and Fudd
Paige Bueckers, a fifth-year senior, concluded her UConn career as a national champion and the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Her 31-point outburst against USC in the Elite Eight, coupled with her playmaking, solidified her status as one of UConn’s all-time greats. Bueckers’ ability to score from anywhere and elevate her teammates defines UConn’s success.
Meanwhile, freshman Sarah Strong emerged as a revelation, setting an NCAA Tournament record for points by a freshman (114). Her 24-point, 15-rebound performance in the national championship against South Carolina showcased her versatility. Azzi Fudd, despite injury challenges, contributed 13.3 points per game and provided critical scoring in the postseason. Together, these players embody UConn’s tradition of excellence.
Tactical Breakdown: Styles and Strategies
USC’s Fast-Paced, Offensive Approach
USC thrives on a high-octane offense that pushes the tempo and exploits mismatches. The Trojans’ 80-point scoring average reflects their ability to attack in transition and capitalize on open looks. Their 50.8% field goal percentage against UConn in December 2024 demonstrated their shooting efficiency. Gottlieb’s system emphasizes ball movement and aggressive drives, with Watkins and Iriafen leading the charge.
Defensively, USC relies on Marshall’s rim protection and active perimeter defenders like Kennedy Smith. However, their 11 turnovers in the first half of the Elite Eight loss exposed vulnerabilities under pressure. Improving ball security and maintaining defensive intensity will be crucial for USC to compete with UConn consistently.
UConn’s Balanced, Disciplined System
UConn’s success stems from a balanced approach that blends elite offense with suffocating defense. The Huskies’ 52.9% shooting in the first quarter of the 2025 national championship set the tone for their dominance. Auriemma’s system prioritizes spacing, cutting, and selfless play, allowing players like Bueckers and Strong to shine.
Defensively, UConn’s ability to force turnovers and limit opponents’ shooting stands out. Their 14 points off USC’s turnovers in the Elite Eight highlighted their disruptive style. The Huskies’ depth, with contributions from Kaitlyn Chen and Ice Brady, ensures they maintain intensity throughout games. This disciplined execution makes UConn a tough matchup for any team.
Historical Context: Building a Rivalry
Past Encounters and Close Battles
The USC-UConn rivalry has intensified over the past two seasons, with four meetings since April 2024. In the 2024 Elite Eight, UConn edged USC 80-73 in a tightly contested game, with Bueckers scoring 28 points and Watkins answering with 29. The score was tied at halftime, but UConn’s late surge secured the win. This game set the tone for their competitive matchups.
The 2024-2025 season added two more chapters: USC’s 72-70 regular-season win and UConn’s 78-64 postseason triumph. These games, marked by star performances and strategic adjustments, reflect the growing stakes of the rivalry. While UConn holds a 3-1 edge in these encounters, USC’s breakthrough victory signals their potential to challenge the Huskies’ dominance.
The Broader Impact on Women’s Basketball
The USC-UConn rivalry contributes to the evolving landscape of women’s basketball, where new powers challenge established dynasties. USC’s rise mirrors the sport’s increasing parity, with programs like South Carolina and UCLA also vying for supremacy. The star power of players like Watkins and Bueckers draws casual fans, boosting viewership and interest. Their matchups, often televised on ESPN, highlight the sport’s growing popularity and competitive depth.
Looking Ahead: The Future of USC vs. UConn
USC’s Path to Sustained Success
With JuJu Watkins returning for her junior season and Lindsay Gottlieb’s recruiting prowess, USC is poised for continued growth. The Trojans’ move to the Big Ten will test their mettle against teams like Ohio State and Maryland, preparing them for high-stakes games against UConn. Developing consistency and depth, particularly in the backcourt, will be key. If USC can minimize turnovers and maintain their offensive efficiency, they could flip the script in future matchups.
UConn’s Next Chapter
Riyadh Derby UConn faces the challenge of replacing Paige Bueckers, but their pipeline of talent remains strong. Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd will lead the Huskies in 2025-2026, with incoming recruits adding depth. Geno Auriemma’s ability to adapt and develop players ensures UConn will remain a contender. Their focus on defensive intensity and team chemistry will keep them competitive against USC and other rising programs.
FAQs: Exploring the USC vs. UConn Rivalry
1. What makes the USC vs. UConn rivalry so compelling in women’s basketball?
Dylan Edwards The USC vs. UConn rivalry captivates fans due to the clash of contrasting styles, elite talent, and high stakes. USC’s fast-paced, offensive approach challenges UConn’s disciplined, balanced system, creating unpredictable outcomes. Star players like JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers elevate the drama, while the teams’ recent close games, including USC’s first win in 2024, add intrigue. As USC rises and UConn defends its dynasty, their matchups symbolize the sport’s evolving landscape.
2. How did JuJu Watkins’ injury impact USC’s performance against UConn in the 2025 Elite Eight?
Yves Missi JuJu Watkins’ season-ending knee injury in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament significantly weakened USC’s lineup against UConn. Without Watkins’ 23.9 points per game and playmaking, the Trojans relied heavily on Rayah Marshall and Kiki Iriafen. Their 11 first-half turnovers and inability to match UConn’s scoring reflected the void left by Watkins. Despite a valiant effort, USC’s 78-64 loss underscored the challenge of facing UConn without their star guard.
3. Why is Paige Bueckers considered a pivotal figure in UConn’s success against USC?
Warriors vs. Grizzlies Paige Bueckers’ versatility, leadership, and clutch performances make her a cornerstone of UConn’s victories over USC. Her 31-point outburst in the 2025 Elite Eight, combined with her playmaking, dismantled USC’s defense. Bueckers’ ability to score from mid-range, facilitate for teammates, and elevate in high-pressure moments sets her apart. Her impact, both on and off the court, solidifies her legacy as a UConn great and a key factor in the rivalry.
To read more, Click Here
Leave a Reply