USC women's basketball is set to make waves as they head back to Las Vegas for the Hall of Fame series, kicking off the 2026-27 season. On November 2, the Women of Troy will face UNLV at the T-Mobile Arena, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
This event isn't just about USC; it's a basketball extravaganza with four games on the docket. Alongside the USC-UNLV clash, fans can catch Arizona taking on Stanford in another women's matchup. On the men's side, UCLA squares off against Arizona, while Gonzaga battles Purdue.
The Hall of Fame series is a familiar stage for USC, who last graced the event at the start of the 2023-24 season, securing a victory over Ohio State in their final Pac-12 opener.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We're thrilled to take part in the Hall of Fame Series and return to Las Vegas for the start of the 2026-27 season. It's going to be an exciting year for our fans and supporters, and we hope as many of them join us as possible as we tip off against UNLV in a fun season-opening matchup."
The Trojans are gearing up with a powerhouse roster. JuJu Watkins, the nation's Player of the Year, is set to make her much-anticipated return. She'll be joined by standout talents like freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson, sophomore Kennedy Smith, and newcomers Sitaya Fagan from Australia and guard Saniyah Hall.
While the only other confirmed game on USC's schedule is a face-off against South Carolina on November 15, the season promises plenty of challenges. Coach Gottlieb has set ambitious goals for the program, aiming to elevate USC to the pinnacle of women's college basketball. As she puts it, "You certainly can't get there if you're unwilling to play on the biggest stages against the biggest competition."
With a blend of seasoned stars and promising newcomers, USC is poised to make a significant impact this season. Fans should buckle up for what promises to be a thrilling ride.