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EUGENE, Ore. — JuJu Watkins scored 21 points to lead No. 6 USC to a 66-53 win over Oregon in the Big Ten debut for both women’s basketball teams Saturday.
Watkins was 6 for 15 from the field, including 3 of 9 on 3-pointers, in 28 minutes before fouling out. Kiki Iriafen added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Trojans (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten).
Deja Kelly scored 16 points and Peyton Scott added 13 to lead the Ducks (7-3, 0-1).
Kelly helped put Oregon up 13-12 after the first quarter, but USC held the Ducks scoreless for more than five minutes to start the second quarter while scoring 18 straight points. Watkins had a seven-point run of her own within that span.
The Trojans never trailed again, using a 28-6 second quarter to build a 40-19 halftime lead, with 15 points from Watkins.
Scott opened the third quarter with four straight points, but USC responded with five straight points right and kept the lead in double digits the rest of the way.
USC outrebounded Oregon 45-31, including 34 defensive rebounds. The Trojans are averaging nearly 12 more rebounds per game than their opponents on the season.
The Trojans won their fourth straight since a loss to No. 10 Notre Dame on Nov. 23.
USC returns to nonconference play over the next three weeks, including a trip to No. 2 UConn. Next up is Fresno State on Tuesday night at the Galen Center.
