WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The No. 4 USC Trojans defeated Purdue by 42 points on a night when Juju Watkins was held to 16 points. The Boilermakers fell 79-37 as USC has now won 14 straight games.
Despite a slow start, the Trojans took control in the first half, with Watkins leading her team on a remarkable 31-0 run that ended any hope for a competitive game from the Boilermakers.
Freshman Avery Howell made it her night, scoring a career-high 18 points while coming off the bench. She achieved this impressive total on just seven shot attempts, making four three-pointers. Additionally, Howell was flawless at the free-throw line, sinking all six attempts, and contributed three steals. The energy she brought to the team significantly boosted their performance during an outstanding run in the first half.
Kennedy Smith, another freshman, not only contributed offensively but also provided a defensive spark that limited the Boilermakers to just two points in the second quarter. The Trojans continued to dominate Purdue in the paint, outscoring them 28-12.
The Trojans forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 26 points. USC's perimeter defense allowed only two made three-pointers on 15 attempts.
Kendall Puryear contributed 10 points and grabbed three rebounds in 25 minutes of play off the bench for Purdue. Unfortunately, it has been a challenging season for the Boilermakers, who are currently on a seven-game losing streak. They hold an 0-8 record in conference play and an overall record of 7-12.
Rayah Marshall had another strong performance, recording 13 rebounds and seven points tonight. She also achieved three blocks, marking at least one block in each of her last 17 games.
USC held its breath in the second quarter when Kiki Iriafen left the game due to an ankle injury. The Trojans are hopeful that the injury is not serious, as she finished the game with seven points and four rebounds in 12 minutes.
The Trojans are on a roll now as they prepare for a Big Ten showdown next week as they host Minnesota on January 30 at 7 p.m. This will be the Golden Gophers' first-ever visit to the Galen Center.