USC Women's Basketball Wins Double OT Comeback Vs Arizona Despite JuJu Watkins Fouling Out
With your USC Trojans trailing Arizona in the four quarter, freshman star JuJu Watkins committed her fifth foul and fouled out with under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. As Watkins departed the game, the Trojans had to rely on two of their other stars to earn the 95-93 victory in double overtime over the Wildcats.
Kayla Padilla proved to be the hero for USC, hitting a three-pointer to tie the game at 71-71 and send the game into overtime. The Trojans missed a couple shot opportunities before Padilla hit the game-tying shot, but the Cardinal and Gold's ability to notch rebounds proved vital for USC.
Arizona had the upper hand against the Trojans through the first three quarters. The Wildcats took a narrow 33-31 lead at the half, but pulled away in the third quarter and took a 53-46 lead going into the fourth.
The Wildcats controlled the game in large part due to their ability to defend JuJu Watkins. Watkins was held to just seven points in the first half, and finished the game with 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists before fouling out.
In what turned out to be a physical game, four different players fouled out, with two from each team. Along with Watkins, USC's Kaitlyn Davis and Arizona's Esmery Martinez and Breya Cunningham also fouled out.
With Watkins out, Marshall starred for the Trojans. She led the team in scoring, posting a double-double with 26 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Padilla, who hit several crucial three-pointers for USC, finished with 15 points and one assist.
The Trojans will be glad they escaped with a win against Arizona, who was on a four-game winning streak as they attempt to make a push for March Madness. This win is important for USC, as it will help their seeding heading into postseason play.
USC finishes their regular season on Saturday with a finale against Arizona State.
