“USC is looking like 2024 Real Madrid”: College hoops fans react to JuJu Watkins and USC Trojans losing the lead against Ole Miss
JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans were made to sweat in their season opener against the Ole Miss Rebels, as they recorded a narrow 68-66 win at the Adidas Arena in Paris earlier today.
The Trojans kept their noses ahead until the fourth quarter, during which they lost the lead thrice before making a late charge to start the 2024-25 season with a win.
The Trojans, ranked third in AP's Top 25 women's college basketball poll, were stunned by field goals from Madison Scott, Tameiya Sadler and Kirsten Deans. Each of them gave the Rebels the lead on three different occasions. The Trojans' defensive lapses also left fans in disbelief, who took to X to voice their opinions.
Some fans compared the Trojans to Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League and La Liga champions who have struggled in the beginning of the soccer season. This is despite them having the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and new summer signing, Kylian Mbappé.
"USC looking like 2024 Real Madrid. Too much unfamiliar talent," said one fan.
"Ole Miss gonna beat USC in the first game in the season," said another fan.
Another fan added, "USC vs Ole Miss having a brick off."
Other fans were appalled by the Trojans' 26 turnovers, believing that played a key hand in their struggles against the Rebels in the French capital.
"Ole Miss isn't even shooting 30% and leads No. 3 USC with 100 seconds to go. Hell of a defensive team to face this year," said one fan.
"Ok Ole Miss. USC need to get the TOs under control," said another exasperated fan.
Another fan added, "20 turnovers for usc and ole miss not capitalizing on it is beyond."
Kiki Iriafen spares USC's blushes on debut as JuJu Watkins shines
Stanford transfer Kiki Iriafen impressed on her debut for the Trojans, finishing with a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds. With nine seconds to go and the scores tied at 66-66, the talented forward made both her free throws to put the Trojans ahead, which the Rebels couldn't respond to.
JuJu Watkins also finished with a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds, while also recording four assists, five blocks and three steals in 40 minutes of game time.
The Trojans will head back to Los Angeles to face the Cal Poly Mustangs in their first home game of the season on November 9.