The USC Lady Trojans of the 2023-2024 season have made history by securing their first Pac-12 tournament title in a decade, coinciding with the conference’s final tournament under its current name.
In a highly-anticipated matchup against the Stanford Cardinal, the Lady Trojans asserted their dominance from the outset and maintained control throughout the entire 40 minutes of play.
While much attention was on freshman guard JuJu Watkins, known for her dynamic scoring ability, she faced a tough challenge from Stanford’s defense, limiting her impact on the game.
However, fifth-year senior guard McKenzie Forbes stepped up in Watkins’ stead, delivering a standout performance with a game-high 26 points. Forbes showcased her scoring prowess, shooting an impressive 11-for-21 from the field, and contributed five rebounds and two assists to the Lady Trojans’ cause.
Despite Watkins’ struggles, USC received significant contributions from other key players. Center Rayah Marshall added 10 points, while guard Kayla Padilla chipped in with 13 points, both making crucial contributions to the team’s success.
Throughout the game, USC maintained a comfortable lead over Stanford, holding their opponents to just 36.8% shooting from beyond the arc while impressively shooting 45% from three-point range themselves. Additionally, the Lady Trojans dominated the boards, outrebounding Stanford by a commanding margin of 48-28.
Despite facing adversity, the collective effort of the USC team propelled them to victory and positioned them as potential top seeds in the upcoming NCAA women’s tournament. With eyes now on the bracket reveal next Sunday, the Lady Trojans eagerly await their opponents as they continue their pursuit of further postseason success.
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