The already bumpy road to USC’s final four hits a major obstacle Monday night.
No. 4 Trojan plays the third Husky in the Elite 8th round of the NCAA Tournament. USC beat UConn 72-70 in the matchup earlier this season, but they aren’t meeting the last four trips on the line, without star Juju Watkins, who was injured in the high stakes on Monday.
The Trojans are searching for their first national title since winning back-to-back championships in 1983 and 1984.
Here’s what you need to know.
When is the USC Elite 8 game against UConn?
USC 31-3, 18-2 Big Ten) and UConn (34-3, 21-0 Big East) will hold their tournament Monday at 6pm in Spokane, Washington. The game will air on ESPN and stream on Hulu + Live TV, ESPN+, DirectV, Sling, and more.
About USC-UConn matchups
The Trojans are 18-2 against Big Ten opponents and 13-1 without meeting. USC has a 3-0 record in games determined by less than 4 points.
The Husky are 21-0 in Big East Play. UConn averaged 21.1 assists per game, with Paige Bueckers pacing at 4.7.
USC’s average of 6.8 has created 3 pointers per game this season. This averages only 0.2 shots than 6.6 per game. UConn scores 22.9 points (81.7) per game than USC allows (58.8).
The team will be running for the second time this season. USC won the final meeting on December 22nd, 72-70. Juju Watkins scored 25 to lead USC to victory, while Sara Strong scored 22 points at UConn.
USC lost to UConn last year in the Elite 8 where Watkins was a freshman.
Players to watch
When the tournament began, the star appeared to be in line with the meeting between superstars Booker and Watkins, but the USC sophomore suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second round.
USC was supported by freshmen Kennedysmith and Avery Howell in a 67-61 victory over Kansas State on Saturday. Howell has created 3 pointers on average 2.0 in the last 10 games.
For UConn, the Bueckers averaged 23.2 points in the last 10 games. The security guard scored 40 points against Oklahoma in the Sweet 16. Sarah Strong averages 15.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.4 steel and 1.7 blocks.
Source link
