The plan was straightforward: Win and secure your spot.
Wednesday night, USC women’s basketball faced what appeared to be an easy task against Penn State, one of the Big Ten's struggling teams. With a win, the Trojans would have nearly cemented their place in the NCAA Tournament.
Even if they stumbled against No. 2 UCLA or exited early in the Big Ten Tournament, their spot seemed safe.
However, the night ended with USC suffering their worst loss of the season, an 85-82 upset by a team with a sub-.400 record. USC led for 86% of the game, but this unexpected loss added a Quadrant 3 blemish to their resume.
While their tournament hopes aren't dashed, USC likely needs another win to feel secure - either against the Bruins, which is a tall order given their last encounter, or in the Big Ten Tournament.
McMiller's Offensive Showcase
USC seemed poised for an easy victory for much of the game. Freshman guard Jazzy Davidson kicked things off with a three-pointer, and the Trojans maintained their lead, stretching it to 12 points in the third quarter.
But Penn State had sophomore guard Kiyomi McMiller, who was unstoppable. McMiller, one of the Big Ten’s top scorers, torched the Trojan defense with seven threes and a career-high 40 points on 15-for-24 shooting.
Despite strong performances from Davidson and senior guard Kara Dunn, who scored 22 and 24 points respectively, USC couldn't match Penn State's offensive firepower. The Lions shot a blistering 62% overall and 58% from beyond the arc, overshadowing USC’s 44% and 42%.
This shooting disparity was glaring in the second half, where Penn State shot 64% compared to USC’s 39%, swinging the game in their favor. The Lions took their first lead with six minutes left and held on for the win.
Trojans' Stars Shine Bright
Even with defensive struggles, USC's stars delivered offensively. Dunn bounced back with 24 points and six rebounds, hitting six three-pointers - tying USC’s season high.
Davidson added 22 points, albeit less efficiently, along with five assists and three steals. Her performance marked her sixth consecutive game with over 20 points, solidifying her rise in the Big Ten scoring ranks.
Sophomore guard Kennedy Smith was also effective, scoring 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Senior guard Londynn Jones contributed 10 points, hitting double digits for the first time in five games.
USC's shooting was above their season average at 44%, but it declined each quarter, from 56% in the first to 37% in the fourth. Smith, in particular, cooled off after a strong start.
With two tough losses, the Trojans return home for a rematch with the Bruins. Their last meeting ended in an 80-46 defeat, USC’s worst under Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb.
The Trojans hope to flip the script at the Galen Center on Sunday at 3 p.m., aiming for a major upset to close the regular season.