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4w ago

USC Advances to Elite Eight with Gritty Win Over Kansas State

Freshmen Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell step up in JuJu Watkins' absence, leading the Trojans to a 67-61 victory.

USC guard Kennedy Smith (11) and guard Avery Howell (23) greet fans as the leave the court after the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Kansas State, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
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Overview

  • USC defeated Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 to secure a spot in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.
  • Freshman Kennedy Smith scored a season-high 19 points, including critical plays in the final minutes to seal the win.
  • Avery Howell added 18 points, with 12 coming in the second half, stepping into a key role after JuJu Watkins' season-ending injury.
  • USC's defense forced 16 turnovers and limited Kansas State to just 5-of-16 shooting from beyond the arc.
  • The Trojans now prepare to face No. 2 seed UConn, who advanced after a dominant 82-59 win over Oklahoma.