The USC Women of Troy basketball team routed the Minnesota Golden Gophers 82-69. The Women of Troy secured the victory without senior center Rayah Marshall, who was sidelined with an injury.
This allowed reserves to get more minutes, including senior center Clarice Akunwafo.
“[Marshall] is a really big vocal leader for us, so that was something that we had to pick up throughout this game,” said USC freshman guard Kennedy Smith. “I think [Akunwafo] stepped up this game and played really good minutes for us.”
The Women of Troy had not played at Galen Center for 18 days, head coach Lindsey Gottlieb was elated to execute a win in front of a home crowd.
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“It was nice to be home. Our crowd is continuing to be amazing,” Gottlieb said. “I think our standards are really high. We could have been cleaner defensively and offensively in that second half.”
The Women of Troy came from the Midwest and was on the east coast in January, yet the squad had been taking Big 10 conference travel in stride. The coaching staff has been managing their treatments and nutrition while the team works to improve, according to Gottlieb.
“They’ve been great at taking on every challenge and being present,” Gottlieb said. “I’m also pretty transparent with the stretch that we have in front of us. I think they like the big stage, they like the national TV games and the crowds.”
Their 19-1 overall record is the best start of the season the Women of Troy had since the 1981-82 season. Iriafen and Watkins continue their offensive dominance, scoring 23 and 20 respectively. Both also made 11 boards each.
“[Iriafen is] one of the best players in the country so she rarely sees single coverage,” Gottlieb said. “She’s playing with really creative guards also. So, I think she’s always leaned into her teammates, her own abilities, getting into rhythm.”
Freshman guard Avery Howell scored 12 points and Smith poured in nine points in the effort.
“We had a week off so I think that all the work that we’ve been putting in this whole week, prepping for this game and just working on the team to get better,” Howell said. “All the opportunities, getting better at games … that’s been the most important.”
USC will travel to battle Iowa on February 2 at 10:30A.M.
