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USC Trojans Look to Outshine UCLA Bruins in Women's Basketball Semifinal; Rayah Marshall Key to Victory

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins in the upcoming Women's Basketball semifinal. The game is scheduled to take place on March 8, 2024, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans can catch all the action live on the Pac-12 Network.


Jan 14, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51), USC Trojans center Clarice Akunwafo (34) and guard JuJu Watkins (12) go for a rebound in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Both teams have shown exceptional performances in their previous games, making this matchup a highly anticipated one. The USC Trojans have been led by their star player, Rayah Marshall, who has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout the season.


In their last three games, Marshall has been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. She has averaged an impressive 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. Her dominance in the paint has made her a key contributor to the Trojans' success.


Jan 14, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) blocks the final shot of the game by UCLA Bruins guard Charisma Osborne (20) at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

But Marshall is not alone in her stellar performance. McKenzie Forbes has also been a standout player for USC. In their previous games, Forbes has showcased her versatility as a guard-forward hybrid, contributing 9 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates will be crucial against the tough defense of UCLA.


On the other side of the court, the UCLA Bruins have their own set of top performers. Gabriela Jaquez has been a consistent scorer for the team, averaging 7 points per game while shooting an impressive 100 percent from beyond the arc. Her ability to knock down shots from long range will be vital against USC's strong defense.


Jan 14, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard Kayla Padilla (45) celebrates as UCLA Bruins guard Camryn Brown (35) walks off the court at the end of the game at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Angela Dugalic has also been a key contributor for UCLA with her inside presence. She has averaged 17 points and 4 rebounds per game in their previous matchups. Dugalic's ability to finish at the rim and draw fouls will be crucial in creating scoring opportunities for the Bruins.


When looking at the overall performance of both teams, the USC Trojans have shown a slight edge. Their players have displayed better shooting percentages, with an average field goals percentage of 50 percent compared to UCLA's 43 percent. Additionally, USC has showcased a stronger defensive presence, averaging 3 blocks and 1 steal per game.


However, it is important to note that statistics can only tell part of the story. The outcome of this semifinal matchup will ultimately depend on how well both teams execute their game plans and perform under pressure.


As fans eagerly await this thrilling contest, one thing is certain - the battle between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins will be a clash of titans. Whether USC Trojans can overcome UCLA Bruins or not, one thing is for sure - Rayah Marshall's exceptional performance will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this game.


Make sure to tune in on March 8th at 7:30 PM (PST) to witness this epic showdown between two powerhouse teams at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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