Northwestern Women's Basketball Faces USC in Big Ten Matchup

Wildcats look to snap 4-game losing streak against Trojans without star player JuJu Watkins

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:23pm

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For the first time ever, Northwestern women's basketball will face USC in Big Ten play. The Wildcats are looking to snap a four-game losing streak, while the Trojans are fresh off an upset win against No. 10 Iowa despite missing their superstar player JuJu Watkins, who is out for the season.

Why it matters

This is an important Big Ten matchup for both teams as they look to position themselves for the conference tournament. Northwestern is hoping to get back on track after a tough stretch, while USC is looking to prove it can win without its top player.

The details

The game will take place at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois and will be televised on the Big Ten Network. Northwestern will be without Sammy White, Lauren Trumpy, and Claire Keswick, who are all out for the season, while USC is missing JuJu Watkins.

  • The game is scheduled for February 6, 2026.

The players

JuJu Watkins

USC's superstar player who is out for the season.

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The takeaway

This matchup between Northwestern and USC will be an interesting test for both teams as they look to make a push in the Big Ten standings. The Wildcats will need to find a way to win without several key players, while the Trojans will try to prove they can still compete at a high level without their top star.