USC’s dream run faces its toughest challenge yet as they step into the Elite ‍Eight without star guard JuJu⁣ Watkins. Though, this ​team has ⁢shown remarkable resilience, with ⁣players stepping‍ up to fill⁤ the void. Rayah Marshall has been ‍a defensive anchor, ‌averaging 12 ⁤rebounds ⁢and 3 blocks ​per‌ game during ​the ⁢tournament, ⁤while Destiny Littleton ‌has embraced the scoring load​ with ⁢21 points per⁣ game ⁣in Watkins’ absence. Add in a ‍deep​ bench ​capable of frustrating opponents with relentless energy, ‌and the Trojans have proven they aren’t a ⁤one-player story. To⁢ pull ⁤off⁢ another upset, USC will need to: ⁢⁣

  • Control the tempo: UConn thrives in transition, ​so expect USC to slow the game down.⁤
  • Dominate the boards: Second-chance points may​ be ‍their lifeline.
  • Launch from beyond the arc: Perimeter‍ shooting could be‍ the‍ ultimate equalizer in​ this matchup.​

On the other side,uconn arrives as a‌ powerhouse loaded with ⁢talent and postseason experience,hungry to reclaim its title-contender status. ⁤Behind‍ Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards, the Huskies have lit⁤ up the scoreboard‍ with balanced scoring efforts and ‌precision⁤ passing.Their defense⁤ is relentless, limiting opponents ⁢to‌ an average of 57 points per game in ⁣the ⁤tournament. Key factors in ⁢UConn’s favor include:

  • Depth ⁢and health: ​ Geno Auriemma’s‍ squad is finally‍ back at full⁣ strength,⁢ making substitutions seamless.
  • Offensive efficiency: Their ball movement opens up high-percentage shots with ease.
  • Experience: This stage is familiar‍ territory for a⁤ team built to handle the pressure.
Stat ⁣Category USC UConn
Points​ Per Game 69.2 77.5
Rebounds Per Game 42.5 41.9
Turnovers ⁣Per game 14.9 11.3