In an electrifying showdown at Rec Hall, USC found themselves edged out by Penn State in a nail-biting 85-82 finish. The Trojans led most of the night, but the Lady Lions staged a late rally to clinch the victory.
Freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson kicked things off for USC with a three-pointer, setting the tone for an early burst fueled by swift transition play and dominant rebounding. The Trojans outpaced Penn State on the boards, grabbing a 9-6 advantage in the first quarter, and surged ahead in fast-break points.
Sophomore standout Kennedy Smith was on fire, pouring in 11 points in the opening frame, while senior Kara Dunn was a force on the glass with three rebounds. USC's sharpshooting from deep helped them carry a 26-24 lead into the second quarter.
The momentum continued into the second quarter as Davidson nailed another three, thanks to a slick assist from sophomore Malia Samuels. USC's defense was relentless, forcing 14 turnovers that translated into 20 points. Davidson's free throws at the half's end extended USC's lead to 46-39, after outscoring Penn State 20-15 in the quarter.
Kara Dunn opened the second half with a three-pointer, but Penn State began to claw back, outscoring USC 19-13 in the third quarter to narrow the gap to 59-58.
In the final period, senior Londynn Jones hit a crucial three-pointer off a Smith assist, and another triple later gave USC a 70-68 lead. However, Penn State's late-game surge, punctuated by timely baskets and clutch free throws, proved decisive.
Dunn's three-pointer with 14 seconds remaining brought USC within two, and Davidson's layup with four seconds left kept hopes alive. Yet, the comeback fell short as Penn State sealed the 85-82 win.
Dunn led the charge for USC with 24 points, including a season-high six three-pointers, while adding six rebounds and three assists. Davidson, with 22 points, surpassed the 500 career points milestone, marking her 25th consecutive double-figure scoring game.
Smith contributed 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals, narrowly missing her career high by a single point. Redshirt freshman Laura Williams added six rebounds and a career-high two steals.
Despite the loss, USC's record stands at 17-11 overall and 9-8 in Big Ten play. The Trojans will return to the Galen Center for their final home game against No.
2 UCLA on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT, with coverage on FS1.
Key Highlights:
- Jazzy Davidson reached 500 career points, maintaining her streak of 25 consecutive double-figure games and six straight 20-point performances.
- Kennedy Smith was just shy of her career high, with 19 points, six rebounds, and stellar defensive contributions.
- Kara Dunn topped the scoring with 24 points and a season-high in three-pointers, alongside six rebounds.
- Laura Williams matched her career high in free throws and set a new mark with two steals.
- USC forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 24 points, and dominated in second-chance points (11-3).
- This game marked only the second win for Penn State against USC, their first since 1980.