Avery Howell scored 12 of her 18 points in the second half and No. 1 seed Southern California endured the absence of star JuJu Watkins to advance to the Elite Eight with a 67-61 win over No. 5 seed Kansas State in Spokane Region 4 on Saturday in Spokane, Wash.
The Trojans (31-3), playing their first full game since Watkins’ season-ending knee injury, trailed by two at halftime after struggling offensively. USC shot just 29.7 percent from the floor in the half — and only 6-of-28 outside of Kennedy Smith.
Smith scored 11 points in the half as USC dealt not only with Watkins’ absence but also shooting woes for Kiki Iriafen. She entered averaging 18.6 points per game, second only to Watkins (23.9), but was held to seven points on 3-of-13 shooting against Kansas State. She was coming off a 36-point game in the second round.
USC weathered its offensive inconsistency on Saturday by turning up the defensive pressure on the Wildcats. The Trojans forced 16 turnovers and converted them into 18 points, while also limiting Kansas State to 5-of-16 shooting from 3-point range.
The Wildcats (28-8) leaned on Serena Sundell, who scored 22 points. She netted 12 in the second half, while Ayoka Lee notched 10 of her 12 points after intermission, but USC limited the rest of the Kansas State roster to just nine points in the final two quarters.
The Trojans defense held the Wildcats scoreless for a 3:11 stretch in the third period that proved pivotal, outscoring the Wildcats 12-0. Kansas State clawed back to force a 51-51 tie but could not retake the lead.
A nearly two-minute scoreless spell in the final three minutes finished the Wildcats, as USC gave itself breathing room thanks to free throws from Smith and Howell.
Smith finished with 19 points and three steals. Rayah Marshall chipped in 10 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots. Howell (four steals) and Iriafen each snared eight rebounds. Lee had 10 boards.
The win sends USC into Monday’s Elite Eight for a matchup with No. 2 seed UConn, which dominated the second half in an 82-59 rout of No. 3 seed Oklahoma earlier Saturday.
–Field Level Media
