LOS ANGELES - USC keeps the momentum rolling Sunday evening, taking care of business with a 71-39 Big Ten win over Rutgers. After closing out January 2-6, the Women of Troy wasted no time laying the foundation for February.
The victory moves the all-time series to 5-4, still favoring Rutgers. Last season, USC dominated the Scarlet Knights with a 50-point win, 92-42, but today’s matchup didn’t open nearly as comfortably.
Despite Rutgers entering the night with just one conference win this season, the first half was tougher than expected.
In the first quarter, USC scored 12 points and shot only 14.3% from three by halftime. With 13 turnovers and an 11-for-42 performance from the field, the margin for errors tightened possession by possession.
Rutgers’ length and zone defense challenged USC early. The Scarlet Knights closed gaps in the paint and forced USC to settle for shot selections resulting in missed perimeter shots or contested layups. Facing the skills between Rutgers’ Imani Lester and Zachara Perkins, USC had to adjust defensively and figure out how to get their shots to fall.
After the half, the Trojans took control and never looked back. USC found their rhythm, holding Rutgers to two shot clock violations while quickly moving the ball with intention. Kara Dunn heated up and scored 12 second-half points to stretch the lead. Kennedy Smith added 11 points for the night, keeping the energy high on both sides with a steal and a block.
In just 14 minutes of play, freshman Laura Williams set a career high with 11 rebounds.
“We want to be the team that’s making other people call timeouts and getting in trouble for not boxing out and stuff. So Laura set a really great tone there,” Coach Gottlieb said. “She rebounded both defensively and offensively. We know she’s capable of being an excellent rebounder for sure.”
Per usual, Jazzy Davidson’s impact was felt everywhere. From the three-point line to the baseline, Davidson guarded whoever was in her view while delivering offensively. The Naismith Women’s College Defensive Player of the Year selection finished with 16 points, three steals and a block, putting together a solid two-way performance.
On the first day of Black History Month, USC also made a statement before tip-off, wearing Black History Month pregame shirts that read “Change the Game.” To head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the message extends beyond basketball, serving as a reminder of how people should live and value one another. The shirts honored the trailblazers who built this country and the African-American women on her team who bring their heart and talent to the court every game.
“Just being able to have that voice to let people know it’s Black History Month; we matter,” Malia Samuels said. “It’s super important especially with the platform that we have.”
USC continues to flip the script through more physical, defensive efforts and strong second-half executions. They're looking to carry that energy on the road against Northwestern and Illinois before returning to Galen Center to face Indiana on February 12.