UConn guard Paige Bueckers is guarded by Southern California guard Kennedy Smith, right, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Southern California iguard JuJu Watkins, center, splits between the defense of UConn guard Ashlynn Shade, left, and guard Azzi Fudd, right, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

UConn forward Sarah Strong, left, pulls down a rebound as Southern California guard Kennedy Smith and UConn guard Morgan Cheli, bottom right, defend in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)