What happens when future WNBA stars collide on the college hardwood? Buckets, drama, and plenty of eyebrow-raising moments. The USC Trojans edged out UConn in a thriller that featured a buffet of talent—some feasting, others fasting. Let’s dive into this spicy battle of basketball royalty, where Kiki Iriafen, Paige Bueckers, and JuJu Watkins served up a main course of highlights, with a side of mistakes and a pinch of chaos.
Kiki Iriafen: The Stat-Stuffing Dynamo
Kiki Iriafen was everywhere—and we mean everywhere. Leading the Trojans in field goal attempts, she attacked the Huskies’ defense with the zeal of someone trying to win a lifetime supply of free tacos. Sure, some of her shots were questionable (looking at you, triple-teamed mid-range fadeaway), but her diverse scoring and relentless energy kept USC alive.
Defensively, she was an absolute pest, switching onto guards like she was auditioning for a role in Mission Impossible. At 6’3, her lateral quickness was a cheat code. The downside? UConn’s pressure occasionally left her looking like a toddler lost in a supermarket—taking wild shots when a reset would’ve sufficed.
If Iriafen can tighten up her passing game, she’s a surefire top-three pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. For now, she’s the paint-dominating, glass-crashing, defense-wrecking machine every coach dreams of—albeit one with a few quirks.
Rayah Marshall: The Defensive Architect
Rayah Marshall had one job: make life miserable for UConn. Mission accomplished. Her defense was so suffocating that Paige Bueckers might still be seeing her in her dreams. Marshall’s ability to switch onto guards and block shots at the rim is nothing short of wizardry.
Offensively, however, she’s like that friend who brings chips to the potluck while everyone else is cooking gourmet meals. Her shots weren’t falling, but her screens and rebounding opened up the floor for Watkins to work her magic. If Marshall can find a reliable offensive skill, she’ll be a valuable WNBA asset. For now, her defense is her calling card—and what a loud call it is.
JuJu Watkins: A Clinic in Scoring (and Swagger)
JuJu Watkins didn’t just show up; she showed out. The sophomore phenom played like a seasoned pro, slicing through defenders with ease and draining shots from all over the court. She wasn’t just scoring—she was teaching a masterclass.
When UConn decided to send the kitchen sink at her, Watkins calmly dished out passes to her teammates like Oprah handing out cars: “You get an assist! You get an assist!” On defense, she was a nightmare, hounding Bueckers and forcing turnovers like it was a Black Friday sale.
At this rate, Watkins is a lock for a top-two pick when she declares for the WNBA. If you’re not already on the Watkins bandwagon, what are you waiting for? Seats are filling up fast.
Paige Bueckers: Great, But Not Invincible
Paige Bueckers is usually the player who makes defenders cry. Not this time. The Trojans threw a defensive gauntlet at her, and she struggled to find her rhythm. Her shooting was colder than an iced latte in December, and she occasionally looked human—something we’re not used to seeing from the UConn star.
But even on an off night, Bueckers showed flashes of brilliance. Her mid-range game was poetry in motion, and her off-ball movement created opportunities that her teammates unfortunately squandered. Evaluators might point to this game as a blueprint for slowing her down, but let’s be real: Bueckers is still elite, and one bad game won’t change that.
Azzi Fudd: The Comeback That Wasn’t
Azzi Fudd returned from a knee sprain only to play a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in the first half. She didn’t score, but her passing and defense hinted at her potential impact once she’s back to full strength. For now, Fudd’s health remains the biggest question mark. If she can stay on the court, her shooting and playmaking will make her a valuable pro.
Sarah Strong: The Teenage Sensation
UConn’s Sarah Strong might be 18, but she plays like a 10-year veteran. She was everywhere against USC, dropping 22 points, snagging 13 rebounds, and dishing out five assists. She even guarded Kiki Iriafen, holding her to under 50% shooting—no small feat.
Strong’s game is as versatile as a Swiss Army knife. Whether she’s scoring in the post, nailing fadeaways, or finding open teammates, she makes it look effortless. She’s not eligible for the WNBA Draft anytime soon, but when she is, look out.
Final Thoughts
This game had everything: dazzling offense, gritty defense, and enough storylines to fill an HBO series. USC’s victory over UConn was a battle for the ages, showcasing the future stars of women’s basketball. Kiki Iriafen, JuJu Watkins, and Sarah Strong stole the show, while Paige Bueckers proved that even superstars have off days.
As for what’s next? More chaos, more highlights, and plenty of popcorn-worthy moments. Stay tuned.
