In a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse teams, the UConn Huskies emerged victorious over the USC Trojans in the Women's NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. The game was a true display of skill, determination, and heart as both teams fought fiercely for a spot in the Final Four.
UConn's star players stepped up when it mattered most, with Paige Bueckers leading the charge with 28 points and Aaliyah Edwards dominating in the paint with 18 rebounds. USC put up a valiant effort, led by Aliyah Boston's 22 points and 15 rebounds, but ultimately fell short against UConn's relentless offensive attack.
The third-seeded Huskies (33-5) complete a Final Four that includes No. 1 South Carolina (36-0), No. 1 Iowa (33-4) and No. 3 NC State (31-6). South Carolina and NC State will play at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, with Iowa-UConn following. The games will be played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
UConn, which saw its streak of 14 consecutive Final Fours end with a Sweet 16 loss last season, advanced behind Paige Bueckers’ 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. The Huskies will try for their first national championship since 2016.
USC’s JuJu Watkins might be the most highly touted woman to step foot on a college basketball court.
In just her freshman year, the California native averaged 27.2 points while grabbing 7.2 rebounds and dishing out 3.3 assists.
However, focusing solely on these two might be an oversight, especially considering Aaliyah Edwards, UConn’s formidable center, enters the game with a 17.5 points prop. Edwards’s ability to dominate inside and outside the paint could be a game-changer, potentially drawing Watkins into a challenging defensive assignment. This strategic matchup could be crucial for UConn as they aim to exploit every advantage.
Bueckers’s form is another critical factor; she’s playing at a level reminiscent of her sensational freshman year, now fully recovered from her injuries. Despite UConn being limited to eight healthy players, Bueckers’s resurgence adds a layer of confidence to their game.
The game was a display of skill, athleticism, and determination from both sides. In the end, UConn emerged victorious with a hard-fought win over USC. The Women’s NCAA Tournament continues to showcase the incredible talent and competitiveness of women’s college basketball.
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