No. 4 USC continues to win as Trojans after 82-69 win over Minnesota

Make it 15 in a row for No. 4 USC Trojans seam Kiki Iriafen and Juju Watkins Each had 20-point excursions in a pleasant 82-69 Wind over Minnesota Golden Gophers.

The Trojans ran out to an 18-3 lead on Thursday night, and although it did not turn into a crooked blowout in four quarters, the USC never withdrew and was able to withstand something of a nervous fourth quarter.

The Trojans took a 64-49 lead into the last 10 minutes only for Gophers to score the first nine points of the quarter and cut the USC lead to six at 64-58 with 8:10 back. USC real beginner Avery Howell Connected on a three-pointer and then stretched a 7-0 race by Watkin’s Trojans’ lead to a comfortable margin as the USC drove the last 6:42 with a double-digit margin.

The Iriafen scored 23 points and collected 11 rebounds. Watkins scored 10 points and also had 11 rebounds, though she fought out over the three-point line. She and Kennedy Smith combined to go only 2-for-13 out over the arch. Smith had nine points, five rebounds, two stealing and two blocked shots.

It was the seventh double-double in the season for Iriafen and fourth for Watkins.

Watkins has scored at least 20 points in 45 of the 54 games she has played for the Trojans. Three-point-make means she has hit one in all 15 matches in this winning row.

The Trojans played without Rayah Marshall against Minnesota. She missed the game because of injury.

The USC now hits the way for games on Iowa Sunday 2nd February and Wisconsin on Wednesday, February 5th. Iowa is 14-7 overall, but 4-6 in conference games. Wisconsin is 11-10 overall and 2-8 against Big Ten competition. After these games, the Trojans have two gigantic statements at home at the Galen Center.

No. 8 Ohio State will visit Saturday, February 8 and then No. 1 UCLA heads across the city on Thursday 13 February.