USC HC channels NCAA legend Bob Knight as Trojans foil UConn's impressive second-half comeback

The USC Trojans fended off the UConn Huskies 72-70 in their marquee matchup on Saturday. It wasn't an easy task for USC, however. Having led for majority of the first half, their lead was reduced to as little as one in the fourth quarter before being salvaged by some late-game heroics.

USC ended the first half leading 42-29. During UConn's second-half comeback, Trojans coach Lindsay Gottlieb was interviewed at the end of the third period where they only led by six( 55-49). The tactician shared what she would prioritize on to make sure her squad leaves the XL Center with a dub.

"So, these in-game avenues are interesting. I'm gonna do my best coach Bob (Knight) and stop turning the thing over. Gotta take care of the ball," Gottlieb shared.

Bob Knight was a three-time NCAA national champion coach and was one of the winningiest college coaches of all time. Gottlieb was seemingly successful in channeling her best Knight impression in the fourth quarter.

USC took care of the basketball better in the layover period as they only had two turnovers all throughout. Even though the Huskies came within striking distance of taking the lead, sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins, who was one of the highly-touted players heading into the fixture, came up big in the clutch with timely scores and assists.

With the game going down the wire, the spitfire scorer sealed the deal for Gottlieb and the Trojans with a couple of freebies that gave them a three-point edge (72-69). UConn was only able to engineer a point to put the final score at 72-70.

Safe to say, this is one of the biggest wins of the season for the Trojans. This game was hyped as the rematch of the Elite Eight fixture from last year — where the Huskies beat USC to advance to that national tournament's Final Four.

Now with 11 wins into their record, Gottlieb and the rest of the Trojans will look to get win No. 12 next Sunday, Dec. 30, against the Michigan Wolverines.

JuJu Watkins got the upper hand on Paige Bueckers this time around

The showdown between Watkins and Bueckers was highly-anticipated. With the win in her hands coupled with the stats to back it up, Watkins, the second-year guard, was able edge out the fourth-year senior.

Watkins finished with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal and three blocks. Meanwhile, Bueckers posted up 22 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal.

If the cards fall in the right place, we may see another hotly-contested matchup between the two college sensations of the powerhouse programs.