#18 Utah WBB Triumphs Over #7 USC in Biggest Road Win in Program History

After starting their two-game California road trip with a loss to #12 UCLA, the Utes made sure not to leave empty-handed, and they made history in the process.

Coming into this heavyweight conference bout, #7 USC was on a 7-game win streak, and the Trojans, led by star guard JuJu Watkins, were looking to extend the streak to 8 against former USC Pac-12 freshman of the year and current Utah star Alissa Pili and co. 

For the Utes, Pili emerged as the top scorer, going 5/10 from the field and 12/14 from the line for 23 points, and the top rebounder, grabbing 9 boards, 8 on the defensive side of the ball. Meanwhile, Jenna Johnson was the team's assist leader, dishing out 9 dimes in 36 minutes of play.

Watkins led the Trojans in scoring, going 10/30 from the field and 9/12 from the line for 30 points, and assists, dishing out 5 dimes. Kaitlyn Davis led the team in rebounds grabbing 8 boards, with 5 of them coming on the offensive half of the court. 

Utah had four double-digit scorers to USC's three double-digit scorers, and despite losing the turnover and rebound battle, the Utes shot 48.9% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc, which propelled them to the 74-68 win over the Trojans, who shot 40.3% from the field and only 20% from beyond the arc. 

With the win, the Utes not only make history but also snap a conference rival's long-lasting win streak, which is crucial in the race to March Madness. Utah now possesses a 20-8 overall record and a 10-6 conference record, while USC drops to 21-5 on the year and 11-5 in the conference. 

With only two games left in the regular season, the Utah women find themselves at home where they will face Washington State on February 29th, and Washington on March 2nd.