COLUMBUS, Ohio - In an electrifying showdown at the Schottenstein Center, USC women's basketball squared off against No. 10 Ohio State, ultimately falling 88-83 after a late surge by the Buckeyes.
The Trojans, now 17-10 overall and 9-7 in conference play, showcased resilience, leading after each of the first three quarters in a nail-biter that saw 14 lead changes and six ties. However, Ohio State's explosive 27-point fourth quarter turned the tide, with 53 points in the second half proving decisive.
USC didn't back down after Ohio State drew first blood. Freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson responded with a three-pointer to ignite the Trojans' offense, followed by a triple from sophomore Kennedy Smith. Smith's three-point play narrowed the gap to 15-14, and Davidson capped the opening quarter with her third three-pointer, going a perfect 3-for-3 from downtown, giving USC a 20-19 edge heading into the second.
The Trojans maintained control in the second quarter. Dunn's layup reclaimed the lead, while senior Londynn Jones hit a crucial jumper late in the half. Dunn's calmness at the free-throw line just before halftime secured a 38-35 advantage for USC.
Coming out of the break, the Trojans held their composure. Smith opened the second half with a layup off a Davidson assist and later nailed a three-pointer, pushing USC ahead 43-42.
Smith added another three-point play, extending the lead to 56-52 midway through the third. Davidson continued her hot streak, sinking a three off a Malia Samuels pass to put USC up 61-57, and added a late layup to maintain a 64-61 lead entering the fourth.
The momentum shifted as Ohio State launched a decisive run in the final period. Shooting an impressive 70 percent and capitalizing on free throws, the Buckeyes transformed a three-point deficit into a double-digit lead.
Yet, USC fought valiantly. Davidson opened the fourth at the stripe and delivered crucial baskets, while sophomore Dayana Mendes nailed a clutch three-pointer with three seconds left, narrowing the gap to 86-83.
Ohio State sealed the game from the line, securing a five-point victory.
Davidson's stellar performance was the highlight, as she poured in a career-high 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Her feat marked the first 30-point game by a USC freshman since JuJu Watkins in 2024. Davidson also contributed six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block, solidifying her candidacy for freshman of the year.
Despite the loss, USC shot a season-best 53.7 percent from the field, outscoring Ohio State 21-5 in bench points and dominating with a 6-0 block advantage.
Next, the Trojans head to Penn State for a Wednesday night clash at 6 p.m. PT.
Davidson's 32 points, including a career-high six threes, continued her impressive double-figure streak to 24 games. She's scored 20+ points in five consecutive games and 12 times this season, with her 32 points being the highest by a Trojan this year.
Mendes recorded a season-high 13 points, matching her career highs with three made threes, marking her first double-figure game of the season.
Smith added 18 points, with three rebounds, four assists, and a game-high three blocks, while Gerda Raulušaitytė contributed two field goals, her best since December 2025.
USC's dominance in bench points, blocks, and three-pointers highlighted their strong performance, though Ohio State's 53 second-half points were the most USC has conceded in a half this season. The Trojans are now 5-5 all-time against the Buckeyes.