USC Women's Basketball: Trojans Rout Kansas on the Way to First Sweet Sixteen Apperance Since 1994

James Brizuela | Mar 26, 2024

USC v Kansas / Jayne Kamin-Oncea/GettyImages

The USC Trojans are one step closer to achieving their chance to play for the NCAA Tournament championship, as the team came away with a dominant victory against Kansas. Led by the efforts of JuJu Watkins, Rayah Marshall, and McKenzie Forbes, the team pulled away a 73-55 victory.

Watkins led the way with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Forbes secured 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, and Marshall brought in 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

While the starting five ceratinly paved the way for the big victory, the bench showed up in a big way as well. Center Clarice Akunwafo came out firing on defense with 5 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 3 steals.

Akunwafo was so impressive that she was given the honor to add the marker indicating the Trojans are moving on to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. USC has now acheived a Sweet 16 berth since 1994.

The Trojans are expected to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and they have already done so in impressive fashion. Kansas was ranked #8 for the tournament, and they were outclassed the entire matchup.

The Trojans led in every period except for the third, being outscored 22-20. Still, it wasn't enough for Kansas to compete. The Trojans are now set to take on #5 seed Baylor on Saturday.