On Wednesday, Maryland women’s basketball will face its toughest challenge yet as they host USC for the first time this season. It is one of the most anticipated matchups, as both teams have been nothing short of dominant in the Big Ten. USC, led by the sophomore JuJu Watkins, is ranked No. 3, while Maryland remains unbeaten at No. 2, making this matchup a must-watch.

The stakes are high, and it’s easy to see why. Watkins, who’s been a standout for USC all season, recently earned her third Big Ten Player of the Week honor after helping the Trojans to a 14-1 record and a perfect 4-0 start in conference play. Her stellar performances have made headlines as she shares this week’s award with none other than Maryland’s Kaylene Smikle. The stage is set for an intense top-of-the-table Big Ten clash.

USC vs Maryland: Starting 5 and Injury report

Both teams seem to be sticking with the lineups that have been clicking for them so far. For USC, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb is set to field a dynamic lineup featuring sophomore star JuJu Watkins, Kiki Iriafen, Talia von Oelhoffen, Rayah Marshall, and playmaker Kennedy Smith.

For Maryland, head coach Brenda Frese is expected to rely on her trusted starting five, a well-balanced group that has delivered consistent results. Forward Christina Dalce, Sarah Te-Biasu, Kaylene Smikle, Shyanne Sellers and Saylor Poffenbarger. Thankfully, both teams are heading into the game in good shape, as no injuries have been reported on either side.

Head-to-head both the teams have gone against each other a total of five times as Wednesday’s game marks the sixth meeting between Maryland and USC, rekindling a rivalry that hasn’t seen action since 1993. The last showdown went to USC, a 92-85 victory in Richmond, Virginia. The Trojans currently lead the series 4-1. With both teams boasting star-studded lineups and plenty at stake, this game promises to be a thrilling match.

Key players at the clash of powerhouses

USC dominated Rutgers for a commanding victory (92-42) in their last game. Watkins had a standout performance, posting 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals. Despite a challenging shooting night with a 34.78% field goal percentage, she hit 3 of 9 from beyond the arc.

She has been at the heart of USC’s success, averaging 25.1 points per game, ranking third in the country, with an impressive 45% shooting from the field. While slightly down from her 27.1 points per game last season, Watkins has still been dominant, alongside the power forward.

Kiki Iriafen, the graduate student forward, is making a major impact in her first season with USC. Averaging 17.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, she also made the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year watch list. Freshman guard Kennedy Smith has also stepped up despite missing some time this season, averaging 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. In the most recent game against Rutgers, she contributed 19 points to USC’s dominant 50-point win.

As the two powerhouse teams, Maryland and USC, prepare, their stats tell a familiar story. USC, averaging 84.4 points per game, ranks 12th nationally, while Maryland is right behind with 83.7, securing the 13th spot.

The undefeated, Maryland secured a win against Iowa (74-66) in their last game, with Kaylene Smikle leading the charge, scoring 17 points. Shyanne Sellers also played a pivotal role, contributing 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists, helping the team seal the victory.

As the anchor of Maryland’s offense, Kaylene Smikle has been lighting up the scoreboard, ranking 5th in the Big Ten with 18.1 points per game. Her scoring prowess is complemented by Sellers, who’s been a steady hand in running the show. She sits 6th in the conference with a 2.1 assist/turnover ratio and 2nd in total assists with 5.3.

Maryland’s balanced attack and home-court advantage give them a slight edge, but USC’s star power, led by JuJu Watkins, makes them a formidable opponent. This evenly matched battle could go either way. But the prediction wheel favors the Trojans.