LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins scored 22 factors and top-seeded Southern California led all the way in which in routing Sixteenth-seeded UNC Greensboro 71-25 within the first spherical of the NCAA Event on Saturday.
The Trojans (29-3) superior to the second spherical to play both eighth-seeded California or ninth-seeded Mississippi State on Monday at Galen Middle.
Watkins appeared to harm her left hand early within the second quarter, often shaking out her fingers. Then within the third, the star sophomore got here up limping on her left leg and winced. She hit a three-pointer and sat for the ultimate 3:39 earlier than returning briefly within the fourth.
The Spartans got here out confidently, holding the Trojans to 12 factors within the first quarter after lacking their first 5 photographs and trailing 8-0.
UNCG closed inside two early within the second quarter earlier than USC blew the sport open. The Trojans outscored the Spartans 16-3 whereas limiting them to 3 free throws. The Trojans’ strain protection pressured eight turnovers and the Spartans had been 0 of 11 from the sector and 0 of 5 from three-point vary. USC led 28-11 at halftime.
Six completely different gamers scored in USC’s 16-0 run within the second, led by Watkins with six.
Kiki Iriafen added 13 factors and 13 rebounds for USC.
Nya Smith led the Spartans with seven factors and Khalis Cain had six. Jayde Gamble, who averages a team-high 11.8 factors, had three factors and 7 turnovers.
The Spartans (25-7) had been making simply their second-ever look in March Insanity and first in 27 years. They had been the Southern Convention regular-season and match champion.
The Trojans emptied their bench within the fourth, giving their starters crucial relaxation.
UNCG set a slew of season lows, together with factors, subject objectives made (7 of 54), subject aim proportion (13) and three-point proportion (22).
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