The USC Trojans are set to face off against the California Golden Bears on Sunday at the Chase Center in San Francisco, marking the 80th all-time meeting between these former Pac-12 rivals. The game is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on ESPN, with coverage also available through the USC Radio Network.
USC is entering this matchup with momentum, particularly thanks to a strong backcourt led by junior Londynn Jones and freshman Jazzy Davidson. Jones recently delivered her best performance of the season, scoring a career-high 28 points against Cal Poly, showcasing her evolving role as a primary scoring option. Averaging 12.9 points per game, Jones is finding her rhythm, supported by a shooting percentage of 44.1% from the field and 37% from three-point range.
Davidson, on the other hand, has been a consistent force in her freshman campaign, scoring 17 points against Cal Poly and extending her double-figure scoring streak to eight games. She is not only contributing points but also making an impact on the boards with nearly nine rebounds per game, alongside her ability to generate steals and blocks. This dynamic duo is emerging as one of the most compelling backcourts in the nation, just as they approach the critical conference play.
A significant subplot for the Trojans is head coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s return to familiar territory. Gottlieb previously coached at California from 2011 to 2019, leading the Golden Bears to notable successes, including a Big Ten Tournament Championship and an Elite Eight appearance. With a 2-2 record against her former team, including a split of their Bay Area contests, Gottlieb’s familiarity with the Golden Bears could prove beneficial.
The venue itself adds to the excitement, with Chase Center—a key location for both the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries—reiterating the importance of this matchup on a national scale. California’s head coach, Charmin Smith, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete against a prominent team like USC, emphasizing the significance of their players aspiring to WNBA careers.
California will be looking to counter with its frontcourt strength led by 6-foot-5 senior Sakima Walker. With experience from both Rutgers and South Carolina, where she won a national championship, Walker brings size and skill to the Bears’ lineup, averaging 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and over two blocks per game. Additionally, junior guard Gisella Maul has been instrumental in maintaining a strong presence on the boards, making her an unexpected key player for California as they look to disrupt USC’s momentum.
As the USC Trojans take on the California Golden Bears, predictions favor USC edging out Cal with a final score of 75-69, but both teams are poised to make their mark in what promises to be an exciting game. Fans can look forward to witnessing the skills of both teams on a grand stage while celebrating the rich history between these rivals.