USC Women’s Basketball Dominates Rutgers with Smothering Defense, Balanced Attack
LOS ANGELES - If Sunday’s performance was any indication, USC women’s basketball is starting to hit its stride - and doing it with force. The Trojans overwhelmed Rutgers from start to finish in a 71-39 rout at the Galen Center, riding a wave of relentless rebounding, stifling defense, and a balanced offensive effort that showcased just how dangerous this group can be when it’s locked in.
This one was about toughness, energy, and execution - and USC brought all three.
A Game Won on the Glass
Let’s start with the boards, because that’s where USC set the tone. The Trojans finished with a season-high 57 rebounds, completely controlling the paint and limiting Rutgers to one-and-done possessions all afternoon.
Redshirt freshman Laura Williams was a force in that department, grabbing a career-best 11 rebounds - 10 of them in a single quarter. That kind of hustle doesn’t always show up in highlight reels, but it’s the heartbeat of winning basketball.
USC’s dominance on the glass wasn’t just about size - it was about effort. The Trojans outworked Rutgers for every loose ball, every second-chance opportunity, and it paid off in a big way.
Dunn, Davidson Lead the Charge
Senior guard Kara Dunn continues to be a steadying presence for this team. She poured in a game-high 18 points on an efficient outing, adding six rebounds and two assists. That marks her 12th straight game scoring in double figures - a testament to her consistency and leadership.
Freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson was right behind her with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. That’s not just stuffing the stat sheet - that’s impacting every facet of the game. It was also her 19th consecutive game in double figures, and her +30 rating on the floor tells the story of just how valuable she was in this one.
Davidson’s ability to shift between scorer, facilitator, and defender makes her one of the most dynamic young players in the country. She’s not just putting up numbers - she’s dictating the flow of the game.
A Statement Second Quarter
After a tight first quarter that saw Rutgers take a slim 15-12 lead, USC flipped the switch in the second. Junior Malia Samuels opened the period with a three to tie it up, and from there, the Trojans caught fire - going a perfect 8-for-8 from the field during a crucial run that gave them control of the game.
Laura Williams’ rebounding barrage in that quarter helped USC dominate second-chance opportunities, and by halftime, the Trojans had built a 29-23 lead. That six-point cushion felt like much more, given how USC was dictating tempo and imposing its will on both ends.
Third Quarter Knockout Punch
Any hopes of a Rutgers comeback were quickly extinguished after the break. Dunn opened the third quarter with a three, and USC followed with a 16-2 run that spanned nearly six minutes. Kennedy Smith and Dunn combined for 14 of the Trojans’ 23 points in the quarter, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and knocking down both of their attempts from deep.
Smith’s 11-point outing - including two made threes - was her most efficient perimeter shooting performance since mid-November. Her return to form adds another layer to USC’s offensive versatility.
By the end of the third, the game was essentially over. USC led 52-31, and the energy in the Galen Center reflected the growing confidence of a team that’s starting to find its identity.
Lockdown Defense Closes It Out
USC didn’t take its foot off the gas in the fourth. The Trojans opened the final frame on a 12-2 run, extending the lead to 64-33, and closed with a 7-0 burst over the final three minutes. The defense was suffocating - this marked the second time this season USC held an opponent to single-digit scoring in three of four quarters.
Rutgers managed just 39 points - their second-lowest output of the season - and never found a rhythm against USC’s aggressive, switch-heavy defense. The Trojans contested everything, clogged passing lanes, and turned defense into offense with quick transition opportunities.
Building Momentum in Big Ten Play
With the win, USC improves to 4-5 all-time against Rutgers and extends its win streak in the series to two. More importantly, the Trojans are building serious momentum heading into a key stretch of Big Ten play.
Next up: a road trip to face Northwestern on Thursday, followed by a Sunday matchup against Illinois. Both games offer a chance for USC to continue climbing the conference standings and to prove that this group is more than just potential - they’re ready to contend.
From the Locker Room
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb was pleased with the team’s effort, especially on the defensive end.
“Great weekend for us. Really excited to build from here,” Gottlieb said.
“This is a fun group; they stay locked in and are super coachable. I love the mentality.
I thought we didn’t have our best game offensively tonight, but we played with toughness.”
The team also used the moment to highlight Black History Month, wearing themed warm-up shirts before the game.
“We understand the platform that we have and there are a lot of eyes on us,” Gottlieb said. “We have a really diverse team, but we have a lot of strong, powerful, and amazing young African American women who just do a lot of great things, both on and off the court.”
Sophomore guard Kennedy Smith, who recently returned from missing time, emphasized the team’s focus on growth and togetherness.
“Consistency and growth - that’s been a topic of discussion,” Smith said. “Just staying together and wanting to grow in every aspect of the game.”
Final Word
This was more than just a win - it was a statement. USC showed what it looks like when talent, effort, and execution align. They didn’t just beat Rutgers - they controlled every aspect of the game, from the glass to the scoreboard.
If the Trojans can bottle this performance and bring it on the road, the rest of the Big Ten better be ready. This team is starting to look like a serious problem.