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5d ago

No. 1 UConn Visits No. 16 USC for Elite Eight Rematch at Galen Center

Key intrigue centers on Kayleigh Heckel’s return to Los Angeles, with USC leaning on breakout freshman Jazzy Davidson against UConn’s stars.

USC guard Kayleigh Heckel, left, who now plays for UConn, guards the Huskies’ Ashlynn Shade in their Elite Eight game in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 31, 2025, in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma speaks to his players from the bench in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Utah, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Overview

  • Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Galen Center, with the game airing on FOX and ESPN LA 710.
  • UConn enters at 9-0 as the nation’s top-ranked, unbeaten defending champion, while USC is 7-2 after a 59-50 win over Washington that marked Lindsay Gottlieb’s 100th Trojan victory.
  • The programs have built a recurring rivalry, with UConn eliminating USC in the Elite Eight in each of the past two seasons and this marking their fourth meeting in three years.
  • UConn’s Azzi Fudd averages 18.2 points on 49.6% shooting and forward Sarah Strong adds 17.9 points and 8.9 rebounds, presenting USC with perimeter and interior threats.
  • USC’s Jazzy Davidson leads the team at 16.7 points and paces the Big Ten with 2.3 blocks per game, while ex-Trojan Kayleigh Heckel returns as a UConn reserve averaging 7.7 points; the Trojans also ride a 19-game home winning streak.