UPDATE: USC women’s basketball delivered a stunning performance, crushing Saint Mary’s with a score of 79-33 at the Galen Center on December 5, 2023. This decisive victory sets the stage for their highly anticipated Big Ten opener against No. 5 Washington on Sunday.
The Trojans (6-2) showcased an impressive defensive strategy, holding the Gaels (5-4) to under 30% shooting in the paint and a mere 15% from beyond the arc. The enthusiastic crowd erupted every time USC forced a turnover, with the team capitalizing on 29 turnovers, resulting in 16 steals and 29 rebounds.
Senior guard Londynn Jones led the charge with 17 points, shooting 4 of 5 from the free-throw line. Sophomore Kennedy Smith contributed significantly with 15 points and five rebounds. The Trojans established dominance early, leading by as many as 26 points in the first half, and limited Saint Mary’s to just four points in the second quarter.
“Our defense was the key tonight,” said Head Coach Mark Trakh. “Forcing turnovers allowed us to control the pace and keep the pressure on.”
Notably, Jazzy Davidson, who recently earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, shone with 14 points and six assists in 33 minutes of play. The strong bench performance, contributing 33 points, kept the momentum going until the final buzzer, with the Trojans remaining laser-focused on defense.
As USC prepares for its Big Ten opener against Washington, the team’s confidence is surging following this resounding win. Fans are eager to see if the Trojans can carry this momentum into their next challenge. The matchup against the Huskies promises to be a thrilling test of their prowess on the court.
This victory not only boosts the Trojans’ morale but also highlights their defensive capabilities, setting a high bar for their upcoming conference play. Stay tuned for more updates as USC gears up for this critical game.
