USC Advances to Elite Eight with Gritty Win Over Kansas State

Freshmen Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell step up in JuJu Watkins' absence, leading the Trojans to a 67-61 victory.

USC defeated Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 to secure a spot in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.
Freshman Kennedy Smith scored a season-high 19 points, including critical plays in the final minutes to seal the win.
Avery Howell added 18 points, with 12 coming in the second half, stepping into a key role after JuJu Watkins' season-ending injury.
USC's defense forced 16 turnovers and limited Kansas State to just 5-of-16 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Trojans now prepare to face No. 2 seed UConn, who advanced after a dominant 82-59 win over Oklahoma.