JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen are making USC history in a way not seen since Lisa Leslie

No. 6 USC beat Saint Louis 104-65 at the Acrisure Holiday Invitational on Nov. 29, led by JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, who became the first Trojan teammates to score 30 points each since Lisa Leslie and Tammy Story in the 1990 game. Watkins finished with 34 points, marking her 15th 30-point game of her career and first of the season, while Iriafen added 30 points, including a perfect 12-for-12 game from the free throw line.

The performance mirrored that of Trojan great Leslie, who scored 30 points to go along with Story’s 36 points in Leslie’s freshman debut against Texas in 1990.

“Having two dominant scorers on the field and having a team that plays with a lot of cohesion was a good formula for us,” said head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, as reported by Ahmad Akkaoui of 247sports.com. “We will continue to try to do that.”

Despite a shaky first half, USC (6-1) found its rhythm after halftime. The Trojans led 46-39 at halftime and jumped out to a 37-point lead in the third quarter, turning a competitive game into a blowout. Watkins and Iriafen combined for 19 points in the period as USC defeated Saint Louis (5-3) 37-8, capped by a stunning three-pointer from freshman Avery Howell.

“We came out of halftime with a point to prove,” Gottlieb said. “It was more about getting back to ourselves and how we wanted to attack their zone.”

USC dominates offensively

The Trojans forced 24 turnovers and converted them into 45 points, capitalizing on their aggressive full-court press. USC also dominated on offense, grabbing 22 offensive rebounds, including eight from Iriafen, who added a total of 12 rebounds, two assists and three steals to her stats. Watkins finished the game with 34 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists.

“I think free throws are easy shots,” Iriafen said. “It’s probably the easiest shot I’ll do all night, so I focused on that.”

The USC bench also contributed to the game, including 11 points from Howell on a perfect 3-of-3 from distance and 13 points from Talia von Oelhoffen, who hit two key three-pointers in the third quarter.

Saint Louis’ Faith Masonius led the Billikens with 17 points, but struggled against USC’s relentless defense.

USC will return home to face California Baptist on Tuesday before opening Big Ten Conference play against No. 21 Oregon on Dec. 7.