HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Seventh ranked USC built a 20-point third quarter lead, then held on to beat fourth ranked UConn 72-70 before a sold out crowd at the XL Center.

The anticipated battle between Paige Bueckers and Ju Ju Watkins was everything it was billed up to be.

The Trojans scored the first nine points of the game, but UConn rallied to get to within three.

The quarter ended with USC leading 24-15.

USC extended the lead midway through the second quarter, taking a 13-point lead.

Ashlyn Shade kept the Huskies in it, scoring 34 straight baskets.

USC led 42-29 at halftime.

It looked like the Trojans would blow it open in the third quarter, at one point leading 53-33.

But then UConn, with baskets from Bueckers, KK Arnold, Sarah Strong and Shade went on a 10-0 run to make it a six-point game.

UConn came all the way back, Bueckers with a phenomenal second half, the Huskies took their first lead 65-64 with 4:30 to go.

When Bueckers scored with 2:20 to go, the game was tied at 67-67.

The two teams exchanged baskets in the final minute. UConn had a chance to win at the buzzer.

Strong rebounded a missed free throw, but couldn’t knock down the final shot.

USC held on to beat the Huskies 72-70.

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