In a thrilling matchup on Sunday, Iowa secured a significant victory by defeating No. 4 USC with a final score of 76-69. The win marked the end of USC's impressive 15-game winning streak, showcasing Iowa's resilience and determination on the court.
Lucy Olsen emerged as a standout performer for Iowa, contributing a remarkable 28 points to lead her team to victory. Addison O’Grady also played a crucial role, adding 13 points to Iowa's winning effort.
The game began with Iowa dominating early on, establishing an 18-1 lead that set the tone for the rest of the match. Despite a strong response from USC in the second quarter, Iowa managed to maintain their composure and match their opponents' intensity throughout the game.
As the game progressed, Olsen and O’Grady took control in the second half, combining for 23 of Iowa's 25 fourth-quarter points to secure the win. Sydney Affolter and Hannah Stuelke also made significant contributions, with Affolter scoring 11 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Stuelke added 10 points to Iowa's tally.
For USC, JuJu Watkins led the scoring with 27 points, but struggled with her shooting efficiency, going 8 of 22 from the field and 1 of 7 from beyond the arc. Kiki Iriafen and Kennedy Smith also made notable contributions, scoring 13 and 11 points respectively for the Trojans.
The key moment in the game came when USC closed the gap to 63-60 with five minutes remaining. However, O’Grady and Olsen responded with three consecutive field goals to put Iowa back in control. Olsen's clutch 3-point play further extended Iowa's lead to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, USC will face Wisconsin next on Wednesday, while Iowa is set to take on Minnesota on Thursday in their upcoming matchups.
Despite USC's early struggles and Iowa's strong start, both teams displayed resilience and competitive spirit throughout the game, making it an exciting contest for fans and spectators alike.
