The No. 21 USC Trojans women’s basketball team is gearing up for a critical matchup at home against the Oregon Ducks on Tuesday night, as they look to rebound from a disappointing 34-point defeat to UCLA. This game marks a chance for the Trojans to reset their trajectory in the Big Ten, especially as they prepare to defend their strong home court, where they have a record of 7-1 this season.
The game is set to take place on January 6 at 7 p.m. PT at the Galen Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network.
USC Coach Lindsay Gottlieb has been candid about the team’s struggles following their recent loss. “This is an embarrassing loss. We didn’t compete well,” she stated during the postgame press conference, emphasizing that the team must own its shortcomings. The absence of key player JuJu Watkins appears to have significantly impacted the Trojans, who previously excelled against top-25 opponents last season. This year has been a different story, with USC currently holding a 10-4 overall record and failing to maintain the same competitive edge.
Despite the setbacks, there is potential for improvement. The upcoming game against Oregon presents an opportunity for the Trojans to begin correcting their course. The toughest part of their schedule seems to be behind them, and a victory at home against the Ducks could be the first step towards regaining momentum.
For USC to reclaim their identity on the court, the guard play will be crucial. Freshman standout Jazzy Davidson, who had a muted performance against UCLA, needs to reignite her scoring and aggression. Alongside Davidson, Londynn Jones and Kennedy Smith must also elevate their games, as their recent performances have not matched their early-season outputs. The Trojans will need to establish pace, spacing, and pressure on the offensive end to dictate the game.
On the other side, the Oregon Ducks are entering the contest with confidence, having achieved an impressive 87-54 victory over Northwestern in their last game. Under the leadership of sophomore guard Katie Fiso, who has seen a significant rise in her performance, Oregon poses a legitimate threat. Fiso’s ability to control the tempo, combined with forward Mia Jacobs’s solid contributions, makes for a challenging matchup for USC.
As the Trojans prepare to face off against Oregon, they aim not only for a victory but also for a much-needed revitalization of their season. A win would be a significant boost to their confidence and could set the stage for a strong finish to their conference play.