USC Trojans Bounce Back As Star Transfer Shines In Key Win

USC's basketball programs delivered standout individual performances across the men's and women's teams this week, signaling depth and rising talent despite mixed team results.

USC Hoops Weekly Recap: Davidson, Dunn, and Woods Shine as Trojans Make Noise on All Levels

It was a big week for USC basketball, both on campus and in the pros. The Women of Troy handled their business with back-to-back wins, powered by stellar guard play.

On the men’s side, a breakout performance from Kam Woods nearly stole a game, while Ezra Ausar helped the Trojans bounce back strong. And in the NBA, a pair of USC alums-Isaiah Collier and DeMar DeRozan-reminded everyone just how deep the Trojan basketball pipeline runs.

Let’s break down the top performers from this past week across both college and the NBA.


Jazzy Davidson - A Steady Star in the Backcourt

Jazzy Davidson continues to do what she’s done all season-fill up the box score and lead USC to wins. Against Iowa earlier in the week, Davidson dropped 21 points, dished out 8 assists, and added 2 steals in a complete performance that helped USC secure a statement victory. She followed that up in the Rutgers game with another all-around effort: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

Davidson is the kind of player who makes the game look easy. She doesn’t just score-she orchestrates.

Whether she’s pushing the tempo or setting up teammates in the half-court, she’s always in control. And this week, the wins followed her lead.


Kara Dunn - Dominance in the Paint and on the Wing

If Davidson is the engine, Kara Dunn is the hammer. Dunn came up huge in Thursday’s win over Iowa, leading the team with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. That’s the kind of stat line that turns heads, and she didn’t slow down against Rutgers either-18 points and 6 rebounds in another strong outing.

Dunn’s physicality and scoring touch make her a matchup nightmare. She’s been one of the most consistent forces for USC this season, and her ability to impact the game on both ends has made her a cornerstone of the Trojans’ success.


Kam Woods - A Scoring Clinic, Even in Defeat

Sometimes a player gets in a zone where everything clicks. That was Kam Woods on Wednesday night against Iowa. The transfer guard exploded for 33 points, 4 steals, and hit 12 of his 17 shots in what was arguably his best performance in a USC uniform.

Woods wasn’t just hot-he was surgical. He created his own looks, knocked down tough shots, and kept USC in the fight from start to finish. While the Trojans couldn’t quite close it out, Woods’ performance was a bright spot and a reminder of what he’s capable of when he’s locked in.


Ezra Ausar - Big Man Bounce-Back

After a quieter outing against Iowa, Ezra Ausar responded in a big way in USC’s next game. The forward poured in 21 points, grabbed 7 boards, and added a steal in a win that the Trojans badly needed.

Ausar brought energy and presence in the paint, dominating inside and giving USC a steady post option all night. When he’s aggressive and active, the Trojans are a different team. His performance this weekend was a textbook example of how a physical frontcourt presence can tilt a game.


Isaiah Collier - Making the Most of His NBA Moment

With Keyonte George sidelined, Isaiah Collier stepped into the starting lineup and didn’t flinch. The rookie guard put up 19 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals in his first start of the season and kept the momentum going throughout the week.

Collier hit double figures in every game and proved he could be more than just a scorer. He was dishing dimes-at least 6 assists in all four games-and even had a 4-steal performance on Wednesday that showcased his two-way upside. For a young guard still finding his footing, this was a breakout week that should give the Jazz plenty of confidence in his development.


DeMar DeRozan - Vintage Vibes, Trade Winds Blowing

DeMar DeRozan looked like vintage DeRozan this past week, and the numbers back it up. He dropped two 30-point games, including a 32-point outing on 10-of-16 shooting. Add in a 25-point, 8-assist performance against the 76ers-where Tyrese Maxey’s game-winner stole the headlines-and it’s clear DeRozan’s still got plenty left in the tank.

He’s been a bucket-getter his entire career, and right now, he’s reminding teams around the league that he can still be a difference-maker. Whether or not that leads to a move before the trade deadline remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: DeRozan is playing like a man on a mission.


Final Word

From dominant college performances to NBA highlights, USC hoops made its presence felt across multiple levels this week. Jazzy Davidson and Kara Dunn continue to lead a surging women’s squad, Kam Woods and Ezra Ausar are finding their rhythm at the right time, and Trojans in the pros are showing out. If this week is any indication, USC basketball is in good hands-past, present, and future.