The USC women’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance against Fresno State, securing an 89-40 victory. This win marks a significant moment in USC’s season, showcasing the team’s potential.
USC’s success stemmed from a combination of factors, including a potent offense and a stifling defense. Standout performances from players like JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen further fueled the team’s momentum.
This article will delve into the game’s statistics, highlight key player contributions, and analyze the strategic elements that contributed to USC’s decisive win over Fresno State.
Game Overview and Statistical Dominance
The USC Trojans delivered a decisive victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs, with a final score of 89-40. The 49-point margin underscores the magnitude of USC’s dominance. Fresno State was held to a season-low of just 40 points.
Looking at the overall game statistics, USC demonstrated superior performance across the board:
- Field goal percentage: USC shot 47.6% compared to Fresno State’s 27.1%.
- 3-point percentage: USC hit 45.0% of their shots from beyond the arc, while Fresno State made 38.9%.
- Free throw percentage: USC converted 88.0% of their free throws, slightly better than Fresno State’s 83.3%.
Dominance in Key Areas
USC’s dominance extended beyond shooting percentages, particularly in rebounding, points in the paint, and fast break opportunities.
- Rebounding: USC recorded a significant rebounding advantage, grabbing 48 boards compared to Fresno State’s 20. This win makes USC 9-0 for the season when they collect more rebounds than their opponent.
- Points in the Paint and Fast Break Points: USC outscored Fresno State 42-4 in the paint and dominated fast break points with a 23-0 advantage.
- Turnovers and Steals: USC forced 21 turnovers while only committing 12. They also racked up 10 steals, which led to 33 points.
Individual Player Performances
Several Trojans stood out in the game against Fresno State, contributing to the overall victory. Here’s a look at some individual performances:
Kiki Iriafen’s Double-Double Streak
Kiki Iriafen had a fantastic game, racking up 24 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. This marks her fourth consecutive double-double, solidifying her role as a key player for the Women of Troy.
Coach Gottlieb noted Iriafen’s growing confidence and comfort within the team’s strategies. She also emphasized Iriafen’s focus on rebounding as a crucial contribution to the team’s success.
JuJu Watkins’ All-Around Game
JuJu Watkins continued her impressive season with another strong performance, scoring 21 points and dishing out 5 assists. She was also perfect from the free-throw line, going 8-for-8.
Just prior to this game, Watkins had a monster 40-point game against Cal Baptist, demonstrating her consistent scoring threat.
Rayah Marshall’s Defensive Impact
Rayah Marshall had a season-high 13 rebounds, along with 7 points, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. Her defensive presence was a major factor in USC’s dominance.
Coach Gottlieb praised Marshall’s elite defensive performance and her ability to make plays on both ends of the court.
Other Notable Contributions
- Avery Howell knocked down three 3-pointers, continuing her hot streak from beyond the arc. She’s hit 10 three-pointers in the last 5 games.
- Rian Forestier had a career-high 6 points, including her first two 3-pointers of the season.
Strategic Elements and Coaching Perspective
USC’s dominant win over Fresno State wasn’t just about talent; strategic decisions and a clear coaching philosophy played a significant role.
The Impact of the Full-Court Press
The Trojans’ full-court press proved to be a game-changing strategy. After USC unleashed the press, Fresno State managed only 12 points in the entire second half. The numbers tell the story: a staggering 40-12 scoring advantage for USC after the press was deployed.
Coach Gottlieb explained the thinking behind the press: “We weren’t getting easy offense, and we felt like we needed to generate some easy offense. We sped the game up with our press.”
Emphasis on Attacking the Paint
Getting to the basket was a clear priority for the Trojans. As Coach Gottlieb put it, “We want to get to the paint. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
This strategy led to numerous opportunities at the free-throw line, where USC capitalized, hitting an impressive 22 of 25 attempts.
Defensive Intensity and Intent
Beyond the specific strategies, Coach Gottlieb emphasized the team’s overall defensive effort. “I was really happy with our intensity and our intent on the defensive end,” he said, highlighting the commitment and focus that fueled USC’s victory.
Team Records and Series History
The Trojans are riding high this season, with an overall record of 9-1. What’s more, they’ve been blowing out the competition, winning by 30 points or more in seven of those nine victories. A key to their success has been rebounding; they’re undefeated at 9-0 when they grab more rebounds than their opponents.
USC’s dominance extends to their historical matchups against Fresno State. The Trojans now lead the all-time series 10-4. While USC has generally had their way with Fresno State, it’s worth noting that the previous game between these two teams was a nail-biter, with USC pulling out a narrow 62-61 victory back on November 28, 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to the Fresno State game?
Ticket prices for Fresno State football games vary depending on the opponent, seat location, and time of purchase. You can typically find individual game tickets ranging from $20 to upwards of $100. Season tickets and group rates are often available for better deals. Check the official Fresno State Athletics website or authorized ticket vendors for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Is Fresno State a D1 college?
Yes, Fresno State is a Division I (D1) institution, the highest level of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). They compete in various sports at the D1 level, including football, basketball, baseball, and more.
Is Fresno State part of the PAC-12?
No, Fresno State is not a member of the Pac-12 Conference. They are part of the Mountain West Conference (MWC). The Pac-12 is a different athletic conference comprised of universities primarily located on the West Coast.
What rank is Fresno State football?
Fresno State’s football ranking fluctuates throughout the season based on their performance. You can find their current ranking in the major polls (like the AP Poll and Coaches Poll) on reputable sports websites such as ESPN, CBS Sports, and the official NCAA website. Remember that rankings are dynamic and change weekly.
In Closing
USC’s 89-40 victory over Fresno State wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The Women of Troy dominated every facet of the game, showcasing their full-court press and overwhelming rebounding advantage.
The win was a total team effort, but the standout performances of Kiki Iriafen, JuJu Watkins, and Rayah Marshall can’t be overlooked. Their contributions, combined with the team’s intense defense and smart strategic execution, made the game a rout.
This game reinforces USC’s position as a force to be reckoned with this season. With this kind of performance, and with the team continuing to build on their strengths, it’s hard not to be optimistic about their future. The Women of Troy are looking strong as they head into their next games.