USC women's basketball kicked off the 2024-25 season with a thrilling 68-66 victory over No. 20 Ole Miss in Paris, highlighted by JuJu Watkins' 27 points and Kiki Iriafen's crucial free throws in the final seconds. The Trojans initially led by 15 points but faced a strong comeback from Ole Miss, who had a chance to win until a crucial foul by Kirsten Deans resulted in her disqualification. USC's 26 turnovers were a significant concern, contributing to 18 points for Ole Miss, and the team struggled with three-point shooting, going only 1-for-11. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the high expectations for the team, aiming to build on last season's success which included a record-setting year for Watkins. With a mix of returning talent and new transfers, the Trojans are poised to be a force in the Big Ten and beyond, as they strive for a national championship. The season opener showcased the potential for an exciting year ahead in women's college basketball.