Watkins scores 20 points to lead No. 6 USC over Seton Hall 84-51 in Acrisure Holiday Invitational
PALM DESERT, Calif. -- — JuJu Watkins had 20 points, seven rebounds and eight turnovers and No. 6 Southern California defeated Seton Hall 84-51 in the Acrisure Holiday Invitational on Wednesday night.
The Trojans (5-1) had three other players in double figures, including Kiki Iriafen with 15 points and nine rebounds. Freshman Avery Howell scored a career-best 14 points off the bench and Rayah Marshall had 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Faith Masonius scored a career-high 25 points, banking in a 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer for the Pirates (4-2).
Seton Hall: The Pirates kept it close in the second and third quarters, getting outscored by just a few points. But they were outdone 22-9 in the fourth. Masonius hit three 3-pointers while the Pirates were just 5 of 23 from long range.
USC: The Trojans showed they could bounce back after a 74-61 loss to then-No. 3 Notre Dame last weekend. Watkins' teammates provided key support.
After a sensational freshman season, Watkins is being targeted by opposing defenses. Her offense has struggled so far this season and she was 7 of 13 from the floor with multiple defenders on her. She picked up her fourth foul early in the fourth.
The Trojans dominated the boards, 56-27, including a 22-11 edge on the offensive glass. Their bench outscored the Pirates' reserves, 22-5.
Seton Hall hosts San Francisco on Monday to open a four-game homestand.
USC stays in the desert to play Saint Louis on Friday in the Acrisure Holiday Invitational.
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Game Information
- Referees:
- Bob Scofield
- Deon Lewis
- Chaka Wade
2024-25 Big East Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| UConn | 15-0 | - | 25-3 |
| Creighton | 14-1 | 1 | 22-4 |
| Seton Hall | 10-5 | 5 | 18-8 |
| Marquette | 10-5 | 5 | 18-8 |
| Villanova | 10-5 | 5 | 16-11 |
| DePaul | 7-8 | 8 | 12-16 |
| Butler | 5-11 | 10.5 | 15-14 |
| St. John's | 4-11 | 11 | 14-12 |
| Georgetown | 4-11 | 11 | 11-15 |
| Providence | 4-12 | 11.5 | 11-18 |
| Xavier | 1-15 | 14.5 | 6-21 |
2024-25 Big Ten Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| USC | 14-1 | - | 24-2 |
| UCLA | 13-1 | 0.5 | 25-1 |
| Ohio State | 11-4 | 3 | 22-4 |
| Illinois | 11-5 | 3.5 | 21-6 |
| Maryland | 11-5 | 3.5 | 21-6 |
| Michigan State | 9-6 | 5 | 19-7 |
| Michigan | 9-6 | 5 | 18-8 |
| Indiana | 9-6 | 5 | 17-9 |
| Nebraska | 9-7 | 5.5 | 18-9 |
| Oregon | 9-7 | 5.5 | 18-9 |
| Iowa | 8-7 | 6 | 18-8 |
| Minnesota | 8-8 | 6.5 | 20-8 |
| Washington | 6-9 | 8 | 15-12 |
| Wisconsin | 3-12 | 11 | 12-14 |
| Northwestern | 2-12 | 11.5 | 9-16 |
| Purdue | 2-13 | 12 | 9-17 |
| Rutgers | 2-14 | 12.5 | 10-17 |
| Penn State | 1-14 | 13 | 10-16 |
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