When USC stepped onto the court for their Elite Eight showdown against UConn, they knew they were in for a battle. But it wasn’t just about Paige Bueckers and the Huskies. The Trojans were already at a massive disadvantage—playing without their biggest weapon. Juju Watkins, USC’s star freshman, watched from the sidelines after tearing her ACL in the second round. The Trojans’ championship hopes took a serious hit the moment she went down. But if anyone thought they were going to fold without her, they were wrong. USC showed up. They competed. And they made it clear that even without their generational talent, they weren’t going to back down. But as the game unfolded, something became painfully obvious. Their toughest opponent that night might not even be UConn—it was the officiating. And for USC fans, it felt like a second heartbreak.

They had every reason to feel that way. When the brackets were revealed, this was the matchup everyone was salivating over. Watkins vs. Bueckers—a battle of two of the biggest stars in women’s basketball, fighting for a spot in the Final Four. But that dream matchup disappeared the second Watkins hit the floor against Mississippi State. And suddenly it was USC’s depth vs UConn’s dynasty, with the Trojans leaning on players like Kiki Iriafen.

Still, USC had earned its No. 1 seed for a reason. They went 31-3, dominated the Pac-12, and had the depth to take on anyone. Even as underdogs without their leader, they weren’t going down without a fight.

But then the whistles started.

By halftime, USC trailed 39-25. Not because they weren’t playing hard. Not because UConn was outclassing them. But because of how the game was being called.

Fans watching at home couldn’t ignore it. UConn played just as aggressively—if not more so—but while their physicality was seemingly overlooked, USC was punished. Every reach-in, every contested shot, every battle in the paint—it felt like the Trojans were getting whistled for things the Huskies were getting away with.

And this wasn’t new. It was just another game, another night of questionable officiating leaning in UConn’s favor. But now, fans weren’t holding back. They flooded social media, diving into the comment sections, calling it out for what it was.

Robbed? Juju Watkins and USC’s grit vs. UConn’s favorable whistles sparks outrage

At first glance, the numbers from the UConn vs. USC game might not seem too alarming. The Huskies led for most of the night, with Paige Bueckers putting up 22 points while freshman forward Sarah Strong dominated with 20 points and 12 rebounds. But for those watching closely, something felt off.

“Refs want UConn to win oh well still had a great season. See you next season,” one fan wrote, echoing the frustration that spread across social media. From the opening tip, it was clear USC was fighting an uphill battle. The Trojans were already without their superstar, Juju Watkins, and struggling to find their rhythm.

“Investigate these refs,” penned another User. USC had an offensive battle in the first half, committing 11 turnovers, but what truly stood out wasn’t their mistakes—it was how they were being officiated compared to UConn.

“That little ref with the dark hair is definitely NOT calling reach-in fouls against UConn. USC is strictly playing in the paint, no perimeter game at all,” another spectator pointed out. UConn’s physical defense? Largely ignored. USC’s physical play? Whistled. And this wasn’t just a one-game issue. The Huskies have long benefitted from favorable calls in crucial moments, and this night was no different. “Them refs on UConn’s side,” another fan bluntly stated.

If you’re a UConn fan, it might seem like Bueckers can do no wrong. But for opposing teams, it often feels like she plays under a different set of rules. Against USC, Bueckers went to the free-throw line seven times, making five. That’s a solid number, but what stood out more was what wasn’t called on the other end.

“Them refs on UConn side” added another User. USC’s Kiki Iriafen, who has been the Trojans’ go-to scorer in Watkins’ absence, averaging over 18 points per game, took zero free throws in the first three quarters. Despite battling UConn’s physical frontcourt all night, the whistles simply weren’t coming. Meanwhile, every bit of contact on Bueckers seemed to send her straight to the stripe.

“The officials should be ashamed at what they are doing,” another frustrated fan wrote. It wasn’t just Iriafen who felt the impact. Rayah Marshall, USC’s senior center, started strong, shooting 6-of-7 from the field and leading the Trojans with 16 points. But as the game went on, the officiating, not UConn’s defense, slowed her down.

Meanwhile, Avery Howell—USC’s red-hot freshman guard who had been averaging 14 points in her last three tournament games—was completely taken out of the game. She didn’t score in the first half, attempting just one shot while committing two turnovers.

So what do you think? Were the officials deciding the game?