The USC Trojans women’s basketball team suffered a disappointing loss to the Oregon Ducks, falling 71-66 on January 3, 2024. This defeat marks the Trojans’ second consecutive loss, following a particularly tough game against UCLA where they were beaten by 34 points.
USC appeared to be on track for a much-needed victory after leading for most of the game. Despite early struggles, including missing their first eight shots in the fourth quarter, the Trojans were able to establish a nine-point lead with just under five minutes remaining. However, the final minutes turned into a frustrating experience as Oregon mounted a comeback that left USC’s players and fans disheartened.
The Trojans started strong, initially finding their rhythm after a sluggish beginning. Malia Samuels kicked off the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by contributions from Londynn Jones and Kara Dunn, leading to a remarkable 16-0 run that put USC ahead at the end of the first quarter. The Trojans’ defense held Oregon at bay for much of the game, but the Ducks came alive in the fourth quarter.
With the game on the line, USC struggled to find the basket. As Oregon capitalized on the Trojans’ offensive struggles, Ari Long emerged as a key player for the Ducks, scoring crucial points that shifted the momentum. Long’s late three-pointers seemed to seal the fate for USC, much to the dismay of the home crowd at the Galen Center.
Kara Dunn led USC with an impressive performance, scoring 21 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Jazzy Davidson also contributed significantly, recording 14 points along with 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and two steals. Despite these efforts, the absence of sophomore defender Kennedy Smith was felt, particularly in the closing moments when USC needed strong defensive plays the most.
As the Trojans reflect on this narrow defeat, they face a challenging schedule ahead. With four games against ranked opponents looming before the end of January, the team will need to regroup quickly to avoid extending their losing streak. The performance against Oregon highlighted both the team’s potential and the areas requiring improvement, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Moving forward, USC will aim to regain its footing and build momentum as they prepare for their next matchup. The resilience of the players and the coaching staff will be tested in the coming weeks as they seek to turn their season around.
