The energy was electric at the Galen Center as JuJu Watkins grabbed the opening tip-off, setting the stage for what promised to be an exhilarating showdown. The crowd, filled with nearly 8,000 fans, buzzed with excitement, a testament to USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s efforts to transform the Trojans into serious national championship contenders. However, the evening didn’t pan out in USC’s favor as No. 6 Notre Dame dampened the mood with a 74-61 victory over the No. 3 Trojans on Saturday.
A Strategic Battle and Growing Rivalry
This wasn’t just any game—it was a carefully crafted matchup by coaches Lindsay Gottlieb and Notre Dame’s Niele Ivey. "You don’t schedule this game because you think anything is going to be a 40-point win," Gottlieb explained. "You schedule it because you have an opportunity to have a great crowd, play well, and give yourself an early-season, signature win. Or, you get exposed."
And exposed they were. USC, which had been averaging a remarkable 98.3 points per game at home (albeit against unranked teams), struggled to find their rhythm. The Trojans shot just 35.8% from the field and a dismal one-for-13 from beyond the arc. Turnovers plagued them, with eight of their 21 giveaways coming in the first quarter, digging an early 10-point hole.
JuJu Watkins’ Star Power and Learning Moments
Despite the loss, sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins had moments of brilliance. Scoring 24 points—including 10 in a thrilling third-quarter surge—Watkins kept USC within striking distance. Her relentless effort showed why she’s one of the most exciting players in college basketball. However, Notre Dame’s defensive game plan, led by junior guard Sonia Citron, forced Watkins into five turnovers, exposing areas for growth.
“It’s kind of hard to take my eyes off of it,” Watkins admitted, staring at the stat sheet during the postgame press conference. “Just seeing how many mistakes we made and the areas we can improve on.” Watkins’ determination to analyze and learn from the defeat underscores her commitment to leading USC forward.
Notre Dame’s Dynamic Duo Steals the Show
While Watkins shone, it was Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo who stole the spotlight. The sophomore guard dazzled with 24 points and five steals, making her presence felt on both ends of the court. Her teammate, Olivia Miles, contributed clutch three-pointers and offensive rebounds, stretching Notre Dame’s lead to 21 points in the fourth quarter.
The duo made history, becoming only the second pair of teammates in 25 years to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists each against an AP top-10 opponent. “I came into this game knowing it was going to be a big hoopla,” Hidalgo said, and she left Los Angeles as the star of the night.
Celebrity-Filled Crowd Witnesses a Tough Loss
The high-profile game drew an equally star-studded audience. Snoop Dogg, Michael B. Jordan, Jason Sudeikis, and WNBA stars Cameron Brink and Dearica Hamby were all courtside, adding Hollywood flair to the basketball showdown. But as Notre Dame extended their lead in the final minutes, many fans began trickling out, leaving behind a quieter arena.
Missing Key Players and Finding New Strengths
USC faced additional challenges, including the absence of freshman guard Kennedy Smith, who averages 10.3 points per game. Smith is recovering from surgery for an undisclosed injury, and her return date remains uncertain. Stepping into her role, Kayleigh Heckel brought hustle and grit. The 5’9” freshman chased loose balls, battled for rebounds, and added six points and four boards. Her energy, while not fully captured on the stat sheet, was a bright spot in the loss.
“We signed [Heckel] for a reason,” Gottlieb said. “We believe in her. She has really unique talent. She’s so fast, she’s a competitor. It’s a tough situation to have your first start be against Notre Dame, but we have a ton of confidence in her.”
A Path Forward for the Trojans
For Gottlieb and the Trojans, the loss was a learning opportunity. "We have to have better communication on the floor," Gottlieb emphasized. "I have to demand that of them better, and you’ll see improvement there. I’m certain of that." Running plays more effectively, improving transition game, and cutting down turnovers are top priorities as USC prepares for its first Big Ten schedule.
Upcoming games in the Acrisure Holiday Invitational against Seton Hall and Saint Louis provide a chance to regroup before hosting California Baptist. Then, the road intensifies with a Dec. 7 matchup against No. 23 Oregon and a marquee nonconference showdown at No. 2 Connecticut on Dec. 21.
Building for the Big Picture
Saturday’s defeat may sting, but it’s clear USC is on the right path. Gottlieb’s vision to compete with top-tier programs is taking shape, and the growing support for the Trojans—from packed crowds to celebrity endorsements—signals brighter days ahead. For JuJu Watkins and her teammates, the focus now shifts to turning lessons from tough games like this into fuel for future success.
The Galen Center may have quieted by the final buzzer, but the buzz surrounding USC women’s basketball is only growing louder.
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