It’s time for the Gophers to make that California trip. First up, representing the School of Cinematic Arts, are the Women of Troy led by NIL star JuJu Watkins.
Watkins burst on the scene last season leading Southern Cal to the Elite Eight before falling to UConn 73-80. Along the way they defeated Stanford for the Pac 12 tournament title. It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Watkins; Stanford held her to 9 points and 6 turnovers. However, In the UConn loss it was Watkins with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists and Paige Bueckers with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. It was an auspices NCAA debut for JuJu.
But with three starters graduating, SC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb (now in her 4th season) needed to kick things up a notch. First, like Minnesota’s last opponent, Michigan, she added four highly recruited college ready freshman. Unlike Michigan, Gottlieb played the portal attracting Stanford standout Kiki Iriafen and Oregon’s Talia von Oelhoffen. It’s a lineup that has Southern Cal at 8-0 in the B1G and 18-1 overall.
SC’s lone loss was a early season home game to Notre Dame 61-74. Watkins’ 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists could not overcome the Irish tandem of Hannah Hidalgo 24-6-8 and Miles Olivia 20-8-7. That loss was offset later by a win over UConn in Hartford. JuJu lead the way with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Bueckers had 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. It’s a long way of saying JuJu is ready for her closeup.
Here's Southern Cals starting lineup.
JuJu Watkins is a 6’2” (excluding the slicked back high bun) sophomore guard averaging 24.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 34.3 minutes per conference game, Yes, she is the Big Ten’s leading scorer.
Kiki Iriafen is a 6’3” graduate forward averaging 16.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in 27 minutes. The Stanford transfer showed steady progress during her time in Palo Alto. Watkins and Iriafen are a dynamic pairing. One note of concern is that Iriafen limped off the court during the first half of their last game and did not return.
Kennedy Smith is a 6’1” freshman guard who found her way as a starter averaging 10.1 points and 4 rebounds in 28 minutes.
Rayah Marshall is a returning starter and a double double threat. The 6’4” senior center averages 8 points and 9.3 rebounds in 26.4 minutes.
Talia von Oelhoffen is a 5’11” graduate guard averaging 5.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 26.1 minutes. The Oregon transfer was a two time All Pac 12 honeree.
Other players of note:
Avery Howell is a 6’0” freshman guard averaging 7.5 points and 3 rebounds in 19.5 minutes. The McDonalds All American was an alternate on the Canadian Olympic team.
Kayleigh Heckel was also a McDonalds All American. The 5’9” freshman guard averages 4.9 points and 1.6 rebounds in 16.4 minutes.
The eight B1G wins: @ Oregon 66-53, Michigan 78-58, Nebraska 75-55, @ Rutgers 92-42, @ Maryland 79-74, Penn State 95-73, @ Indiana 73-66 and @ Purdue 79-37
