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<h1>Elite Eight Bound: <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/womens-college-basketball/news/usc-shakes-off-juju-watkins-absence-and-beats-kansas-state-67-61-in-march-madness" title="USC shakes off JuJu Watkins’ absence and beats ... 67-61 in ..." rel="nofollow">USC Women's Basketball</a> Overcomes Watkins' Absence to Triumph Over Kansas State in Thrilling March Madness Showdown</h1>
The intensity of March Madness reached fever pitch as the USC Trojans women's basketball team faced a formidable kansas State squad.Facing adversity head-on, with their standout player JuJu Watkins sidelined due to injury, the Trojans demonstrated remarkable resilience adn teamwork. Spearheading this effort was Kennedy Smith, who rose to the occasion, delivering a stellar performance with 19 points, guiding Southern California to a hard-fought victory and a coveted spot in the Elite Eight.
the matchup against Kansas State was a nail-biter, a true testament to the unpredictable nature of tournament basketball. While Smith's offensive firepower was undeniable,the victory was a collective achievement. The Trojans showcased tenacious defense, limiting Kansas State's key scorers, and received crucial contributions from role players across the board. Guard Kayla Padilla added 14 points, and forward Rayah Marshall dominated the boards with 12 rebounds, illustrating the depth and adaptability of the USC roster. This cohesive team performance proved pivotal in overcoming the absence of Watkins, who typically averages over 27 points per game.
<p>Advancing to the Elite Eight represents a notable milestone for the USC women
