The No. 5 USC Women’s Basketball team secured a remarkable victory, toppling the first-seeded Stanford with a commanding 74-61 win in the 2024 Pac-12 Tournament final. This victory marked their second tournament championship, showcasing the Trojans’ prowess on the court. McKenzie Forbes emerged as a standout player for USC, leading the charge with an impressive 26 points, ultimately earning the prestigious title of Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Rayah Marshall made a significant impact as well, achieving a double-double with 10 points and a season-high 18 rebounds for USC. Kayla Padilla added 13 points to the Trojans’ winning tally. Despite USC’s lower overall shooting percentage compared to Stanford, with the Trojans shooting 39.7% (25-63) and Stanford at 42.4% (28-66), USC’s strengths in other areas secured the win. Taking advantage of Stanford’s turnovers proved pivotal for USC, as they converted 21 points off Stanford’s 11 turnovers.
USC also dominated the boards, outrebounding Stanford with an impressive 48 rebounds compared to Stanford’s 28, providing the Trojans with ample opportunities for second-chance points and control over the game’s tempo. Both teams showcased their prowess from beyond the arc, with USC holding a slight edge. The Trojans sank nine three-pointers (9-24), while Stanford managed seven (7-18), allowing USC to gain momentum during crucial moments and remain competitive throughout the game.
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Despite a challenging night for JuJu Watkins, who tallied 9 points, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second-highest scorer in a single season at USC with 810 points. She trails behind Cheryl Miller with 814 points. Forbes’s exceptional performance earned her the title of Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player, while Watkins secured a spot on the Pac-12 All-Tournament Team, solidifying USC’s dominance in the tournament.
The Trojans’ triumph over Stanford not only marks a memorable victory but also cements their status as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate women’s basketball. USC looks ahead to the upcoming NCAA Tournament with confidence, aiming to build on this impressive performance and make a strong run for the national title. Can they make a March Madness run?
