JuJu Watkins scored 21 points before fouling out in the final minute, and No. 4 Southern California held on to hand No. 8 Maryland its first loss, 79-74, on Wednesday night.
Shyanne Sellers scored 26 points for Maryland, but the Terrapins (14-1, 4-1 Big Ten) came up empty after leading by seven in the fourth quarter.
No. 4 USC Trojans vs. No. 8 Outstanding Maryland Terrapins | FOX College Women’s Hoops
Kiki Iriafen’s three-point play gave USC a 75-72 lead with 1:28 to play. Then Rayah Marshall blocked a jumper by Sellers.
Watkins had a foul play with 31 seconds left, but Maryland’s Saylor Poffenbarger missed from 3-point range, and Avery Howell pushed the Trojans’ lead to five with a pair of free throws.
With USC (15-1, 5-0) recently joining the Big Ten, this was the first meeting between the teams since 1995.
Iriafen finished with 21 points. Christina Dalce had 15 points and 12 rebounds for Maryland. Kaylene Smikle scored 16 for the Terps but shot 6-of-21.
The taker
USC: It wasn’t a great night for Watkins, who shot 7-for-19 from the field and had eight turnovers, but the Trojans showed they can defend and get enough scoring from Iriafen and others.
Maryland: Merchants was on offense for most of the night, but the Terps shot just 36.5% from the field and couldn’t score late when they needed to.
Time is important
Maryland led 68-61 before Kennedy Smith scored seven straight points for USC, tying it at 3.
Key figures
Maryland went 2-of-14 from 3-point range.
Next
Maryland plays at Wisconsin on Saturday. USC returns home to face Penn State on Sunday.
It is reported by the Associated Press.
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