USC Women’s Team Falls Short After Strong Start Against Oregon
The USC Trojans faced a harsh reality on Tuesday night, succumbing to a 71-66 defeat against the Oregon Ducks. This loss marks USC’s second consecutive setback, a troubling trend not seen since January 2024, and comes on the heels of their worst defeat under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb.
Initially, the Trojans seemed poised for a rebound, having built a nine-point lead late in the game. The momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter, however, as USC’s offense faltered and Oregon found its rhythm. After missing their first eight shots of the quarter, USC fell silent offensively for over four minutes, during which the Ducks seized control of the game.
Despite an encouraging start, where USC showed promise with a solid run in the first quarter, the team struggled to maintain its lead as the game progressed. Londynn Jones and freshman Jazzy Davidson had noteworthy contributions early on, but as the final minutes approached, Oregon’s Ari Long sank multiple three-pointers that turned the tide, much to the disappointment of the Galen Center crowd.
Kara Dunn emerged as USC’s standout player, finishing with 21 points and nine rebounds. Davidson, despite a challenging night shooting, recorded 14 points along with a strong defensive presence. The absence of sophomore Kennedy Smith, noted as the team’s best defender due to a leg injury, was acutely felt, particularly as Long scored nine of her 11 points during critical moments in the closing minutes.
Looking ahead, USC faces a daunting schedule, with four matchups against ranked teams still on the horizon. Following the game, questions arise about the team’s ability to regroup and recover from this current slump as they navigate the challenges ahead. The Trojans will need to address their offensive struggles and tighten up their defense in the coming weeks to regain momentum.
