INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — JuJu Watkins put up 31 points, while Kiki Iriafen contributed 21 points and both recorded 10 rebounds in their debut Big Ten Tournament appearances, guiding No. 2 Southern California to an 84-79 triumph over Indiana on Friday in Indianapolis. The Trojans (27-2) remain undefeated in Indiana this season with a three-game winning streak and will face either fourth-seeded Maryland or fifth-seeded Michigan in the semifinals on Saturday. Yarden Garzon scored 23 points for the Hoosiers (19-12), hitting five of her six 3-point attempts, and Shay Ciezki added 15 points as Indiana’s two-game win streak came to an end. Despite a close game, USC managed to pull away with a 9-3 run in the fourth quarter, securing the victory. Indiana likely secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament with their previous win over Oregon, while USC faced challenges but ultimately prevailed. Indiana’s exceptional free throw shooting kept them in the game, making 24 of 25 attempts. Indiana now awaits their postseason fate, while USC advances to the semifinals.
