The UConn women’s basketball team put on a thrilling show, battling through adversity in a high-stakes game, but ultimately fell short in a nail-biting 72-70 loss to No. 7 USC at the XL Center on Saturday night. Despite mounting a remarkable second-half comeback, the No. 4 Huskies (10-2) couldn’t clinch the win, marking their second loss of the season. The game was a dramatic back-and-forth, and in front of a packed crowd, it became clear that this clash would be remembered as an instant classic.
The Huskies found themselves in a difficult spot early on, trailing by as much as 14 points in the second quarter. Yet, they came out of the break with renewed energy, outscoring USC 41-30 after halftime. The UConn offense was led by superstar Paige Bueckers, who put up 22 points on 9-for-22 shooting, and freshman sensation Sarah Strong, who recorded an impressive double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds, plus five assists. Bueckers’ leadership and Strong’s powerful presence in the paint were key to UConn's fight back.
USC’s stars, however, had their own moments of brilliance. JuJu Watkins was unstoppable for the Trojans, racking up 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Projected WNBA lottery pick Kiki Iriafen was also a standout, adding 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists to the mix. Together, the dynamic duo helped USC secure its first-ever win over UConn, avenging last season’s Elite Eight loss to the Huskies. It was a monumental victory for the Trojans, especially considering these two teams hadn't met in the regular season since 2003.
The game got off to a rough start for UConn. The Huskies were sluggish out of the gate, giving up a 9-0 run in the first four minutes. It looked like USC could seize control early, but Bueckers sparked the UConn offense with one of her signature off-balance jump shots. This basket, which came in the form of a pull-up jumper, marked the first field goal of the game for the Huskies and helped break the ice. Strong also quickly found her rhythm, getting UConn on the scoreboard with a pair of free throws and then following up with a contested three-pointer to cut USC’s lead to just a single possession.
Though UConn started to find their footing, USC’s shooting was near perfection. The Trojans nailed 7 of 11 three-pointers in the first half, led by the sharp shooting of their highly-touted freshman trio. Kennedy Smith, in her first game back since a surgical procedure in November, knocked down a pair of threes, while Kayleigh Heckel added one of her own, showcasing the Trojans’ deadly outside shooting. Smith finished the game with nine points, going 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. UConn, on the other hand, struggled from long range, shooting just 1-for-5 in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, UConn continued to battle, but their offense couldn't find a consistent rhythm. USC extended their lead while the Huskies endured a scoring drought that stretched nearly six minutes. UConn’s Bueckers was especially quiet, finishing the first half with just seven points on 30% shooting from the field. Despite a late three-pointer from Bueckers in the second quarter, UConn was unable to capitalize, and Strong, who had been a key factor in the opening minutes, was limited to just two points in the second period.
USC’s first-half dominance was clear, and they led by 10 points at the break, with the scoreboard showing 42-32. The Trojans had outplayed UConn in nearly every aspect, particularly with their 3-point shooting and defensive pressure. But UConn wasn’t about to give up.
The second half began with UConn showing some signs of life. Bueckers came out with aggression, scoring six points in the first five minutes of the third quarter. Her leadership and poise started to inspire the team, but it wasn’t just Bueckers who ignited the comeback. Sophomore KK Arnold entered the game off the bench and brought an immediate spark. Her defensive prowess was on full display as she helped force four turnovers in five minutes, and UConn turned those turnovers into points on the other end.
A 14-2 run by the Huskies brought them back into the game, and the momentum shifted in their favor. The XL Center crowd, already loud, became even more electrified when Arnold made a steal, leading to a Shade 3-pointer, followed shortly by another steal and assist to Bueckers, which further fueled the Huskies' charge. UConn’s defense was the catalyst for this surge, forcing USC into tough situations. The Huskies finished the third quarter with a 13-2 run, punctuated by nine points from Bueckers, bringing the deficit down to just five points.
Heading into the final quarter, the game was anyone’s for the taking. The two teams exchanged baskets, but UConn’s offense started to click. A string of four consecutive field goals brought the Huskies to within a single point of the Trojans with six minutes remaining. The XL Center was buzzing with excitement as Morgan Cheli drilled a 3-pointer to make it a one-possession game, and Bueckers followed with one of her signature off-balance jumpers to make it 70-69, forcing USC to call a timeout.
The final few minutes of the game were nothing short of dramatic. USC clung to their narrow lead, but UConn wasn’t going down without a fight. The Huskies briefly took the lead with just over five minutes left, and they tied the game again with less than three minutes remaining. With just 30 seconds left on the clock, UConn found themselves trailing by one point again after a clutch response from USC.
Then, in the game’s final moments, Sarah Strong found herself at the free-throw line after being fouled by Watkins on a 3-point attempt. With five seconds remaining, Strong had a chance to tie or even win the game, but she made just one of her three free throws. The Huskies couldn’t get a final shot off, and USC held on for the win.
Though UConn didn’t come away with the victory, their resilience and heart were undeniable. The Huskies fought tooth and nail to come back from a double-digit deficit and nearly pulled off one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent memory. While the loss stings, UConn showed the basketball world just how dangerous they can be when they’re firing on all cylinders. With strong performances from Bueckers, Strong, and the team’s defense, UConn proved they have the grit and determination to compete with anyone.
This game is sure to go down in history as one of the most exciting matchups of the season, and both teams demonstrated why they’re among the best in women’s college basketball. For UConn, it’s back to the drawing board, but with their talent and tenacity, they’ll undoubtedly bounce back and be a force to reckon with the rest of the way.
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