LOS ANGELES — USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb and Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey recently orchestrated a high-profile matchup between their teams, drawing the attention of a national TV audience. Despite high expectations, USC fell short in a November game against Notre Dame, prompting Gottlieb to re-evaluate her team’s performance. Since then, USC has regrouped with three dominant wins, setting the stage for a challenging Big Ten conference schedule.
One key player to watch is standout sophomore JuJu Watkins, who has shown improved efficiency on both ends of the court. Another factor in USC’s success will be the return of defensive standout Kennedy Smith, who has been sidelined with an injury. Additionally, transfers Kiki Iriafen and Talia Von Oelhoffen have played crucial roles in USC’s early-season success, with Von Oelhoffen gradually finding her rhythm alongside Watkins.
As USC enters conference play, all eyes will be on how the team can continue to build on its recent successes and navigate a competitive Big Ten schedule. With talented players and a renewed focus, USC looks poised to make waves in the women’s college basketball scene.
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