USC Stays Unbeaten in Big Ten Play, Defeats Penn State Behind Watkins and Iriafen

January 13, 2026

This article was last updated by Vibhab Timsina on January 13, 2026

In a game that served as a beacon of hope for a city grappling with devastating wildfires, No. 4 USC showcased its exceptional talent with a commanding 95-73 victory over Penn State at the Galen Center on Sunday night.

JuJu Watkins another stellar performance, pouring in 35 points while shooting an impressive 13-of-15 from the field.

The sophomore sensation complemented her scoring with 11 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks, demonstrating her all-around impact on both ends of the court.

Kiki Iriafen continued her strong season with 28 points, as the dynamic duo maintained their streak of scoring in double figures in every game this season.

Their consistent performances have been instrumental in USC’s impressive 16-1 record and perfect 6-0 start in Big Ten play.

The game took on special significance as one of the first sporting events held in Los Angeles since the outbreak of wildfires.

The Trojans, particularly L.A. natives Watkins and Iriafen, felt the weight of representing their community during this challenging time.

“I see it as a great opportunity to have fun, the vibes are kind of down here in L.A.,” Watkins said.

“Our goal was to put on a show and entertain people.”

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A pivotal moment came late in the second quarter when USC an 18-0 run, with Watkins contributing 10 points during this crucial stretch.

The surge effectively put the game out of reach for Penn State, who struggled to regain momentum thereafter.

The Nittany Lions, led by Talayah Walker’s 18 points, showed moments of promise but couldn’t overcome USC’s defensive pressure.

Penn State (9-8, 0-6) remains winless in conference play despite their efforts to stay competitive early in the game.

USC’s defense proved particularly disruptive, forcing 21 Penn State turnovers that resulted in 27 points for the Trojans.

This defensive effort, combined with their efficient offense, helped USC maintain control throughout the second half.

The victory holds added significance for USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb and her team, who recognize their role in providing a positive distraction for a community dealing with natural disasters.

“So many people have lost so much, and we, 100%, recognize that sports and athletics are not bigger than those real-world things,” Gottlieb said.

“At the same time, I think what is incredibly important at this time is community.”

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The win extends USC’s winning streak to 12 games, marking their best start to a season since 1993-94.

The Trojans will now prepare for their next challenge, a road game at Indiana on January 19, as they continue their impressive run through their inaugural Big Ten season.

For the 5,881 fans in attendance, including several USC basketball alumni, the evening provided a welcome respite from the challenges facing the city while showcasing the continued excellence of one of the nation’s top women’s basketball programs.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • A touching moment unfolded in the USC locker room after the game when Cherie Nelson, a USC basketball legend who held the program’s scoring record with a 50-point game, visited with her 98-year-old mother. Despite losing their home in Altadena to the wildfires just days before, Nelson’s mother insisted on attending the game to support the team, showing the deep connection between USC’s basketball program and its community across generations.
  • Among the enthusiastic crowd of nearly 6,000 fans was Hollywood actress Vivica A. Fox, whose presence alongside numerous children in attendance highlighted how USC women’s basketball has become a unifying force in Los Angeles, bringing together people from all walks of life during challenging times.
  • USC’s defensive specialist Rayah Marshall, though only scoring two points with three rebounds, played a crucial role by containing Penn State’s leading scorer Gracie Merkle. Despite giving up several inches in height to the 6-foot-6 Merkle, Marshall’s agility and determination limited her opponent to just 13 points and five rebounds, well below her season averages of 16.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
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Vibhab Timsina is a content writer writing about popular culture topics, sports analysis, and keeping you up with recent internet trends. He is an avid sports fanatic and likes to keep up with various sports categories including Soccer, Formula 1, Tennis, Basketball, and more.

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