No. 1 UConn Rout No. 16 USC: Huskies Extend Unbeaten Streak in LA

Los Angeles, CA – No. 1 UConn women’s basketball continued its dominant start to the season, routing No. 16 USC 79-51 at the Galen Center. The Huskies (10-0) snapped the Trojans’ 20-game home winning streak, holding USC’s star freshman Jazzy Davidson to just 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting, and showcasing the depth and balance that have made them defending national champions.

First Quarter: Huskies Seize Control

USC led 9-8 early, but UConn responded with a 15-0 run to close the quarter, igniting a 24-2 spurt that put the Huskies up 32-11 early in the second. UConn’s defense forced the Trojans into tough shots, and Azzi Fudd sparked the offense with 7 first-quarter points.

Second Quarter: Relentless Defense

The Huskies’ intensity didn’t let up. UConn held USC to 17 first-half points, allowing just seven field goals before halftime. Paige Bueckers and Ashlynn Shade led a balanced attack, while Sarah Strong and Aaliyah Edwards controlled the boards. At the break, UConn led 39-17.

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Third Quarter: Huskies Pull Away

UConn’s largest lead ballooned to 39 points after Jana El Alfy’s basket midway through the third. The Huskies outscored USC 30-22 in the period, with Shade and Fudd drilling key threes. USC’s Kennedy Smith tried to answer, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds, but the Trojans never threatened.

Fourth Quarter: Finishing Strong

USC closed the gap slightly, but never got closer than 28. UConn’s bench contributed 20 points, and the defense forced 17 USC turnovers. The Huskies finished shooting 47.7% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range, while holding USC to just 30.2% overall and 21.1% from beyond the arc.

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Key Performers

• UConn: Azzi Fudd (17 pts, 3-6 3PT), Ashlynn Shade (15 pts), Sarah Strong (14 pts, 7 reb), Aaliyah Edwards (6 pts, 9 reb), Paige Bueckers (7 pts, 6 ast)
• USC: Kennedy Smith (16 pts, 7 reb), Jazzy Davidson (10 pts, 3-13 FG)

By the Numbers

• UConn: 31-65 FG (47.7%), 7-19 3PT (36.8%), 41 rebounds, 25 assists, 13 turnovers, 14 steals, 7 blocks
• USC: 16-53 FG (30.2%), 4-19 3PT (21.1%), 33 rebounds, 11 assists, 20 turnovers
• Points off turnovers: UConn 26, USC 12
• Points in the paint: UConn 44, USC 22

What It Means

The Huskies’ defense and depth overwhelmed a USC team missing star JuJu Watkins (ACL rehab). UConn remains unbeaten and looks every bit the title favorite, while USC will regroup with plenty of season ahead.

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