LOS ANGELES, CA – USC entered the Galen Center with high hopes of extending its five-game winning streak. After early-season struggles with injuries and young leaders adjusting to new roles, the Trojans have found their footing, securing a smooth 66–59 victory over Wisconsin. The first quarter proved to be slow for USC, as the Trojans were outscored 6–4 in the opening six minutes.
Photo Cred: USC
Following key adjustments, USC took control of the game, gained the lead over Wisconsin, and never looked back. Freshman Laura Williams played a pivotal role for the Women of Troy, recording career highs with 14 rebounds and four blocks. Williams recently returned to action after sitting out last season due to injury.
“Laura [Williams] was an absolute dynamo on the boards with a career high in blocks,” said USC head coach Lindsey Gottlieb. “She is only a redshirt freshman coming off an injury, so everything’s new. Her instincts have always been good. Her athleticism is elite, her length, and just her will.”
USC entered halftime with a 30–22 lead. The Trojans continued to dominate in the second half, with Wisconsin trailing closely but unable to keep pace. USC outmatched the Badgers, who struggled against the Trojans’ fast-paced ball movement. Davidson led the Women of Troy with 24 points, followed by senior Kara Dunn’s 14 points.
“I think we’ve gotten a lot better with execution, and the team is starting to understand the progression of reads,” Gottlieb said. “We didn’t make enough shots tonight, but our execution was key because when you’re not making shots, you can still execute out of bounds, and that makes a difference.”
The fourth quarter concluded smoothly as USC maintained its steady lead. The Lady Badgers made a late push, but it was not enough to overcome USC’s strong offensive performance, as the Trojans closed out the victory. The evening also marked Cancer Awareness Night, with sophomore Kennedy Smith and coach Beth Burns spearheading a fundraiser for Play4Kay, the largest fundraising initiative of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
Photo Cred: USC
“[It’s a] special day to be able to play for things that are bigger than ourselves,” Gottlieb said. “[We’re] proud of the fact that we’ve raised a bunch of money, led by Coach [Beth Burns] and [Kennedy Smith], to help preventative options and screenings for women in underserved communities to get the testing that they need. It’s always great to win on the pink game.”
Both teams face major matchups ahead, as USC Trojans women’s basketball heads to Columbus, Ohio, to take on Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball on Sunday, Feb. 22. Wisconsin will travel across town to face UCLA Bruins women’s basketball on the same day. March Madness is almost upon us.
