After suffering three consecutive losses, including a narrow 63-62 defeat to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the USC Trojans women’s basketball team has exited the AP Top 25 for the first time since the end of the 2022-23 season. This setback marks a significant moment for a program that has not experienced a week unranked since the arrival of standout player Juju Watkins. The Trojans now have the opportunity to shift their fortunes when they host the No. 12 Maryland Terrapins at the Galen Center in Los Angeles on January 15, 2024, at 18:00 PT.
Despite the disappointing loss in Minnesota, there were silver linings for USC. They achieved a season-high 14 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 45.2 percent from beyond the arc. This is particularly notable given their struggles as one of the poorer three-point shooting teams in the Big Ten, with a season average of just 31.6 percent. Freshman Jazzy Davidson had her best performance from long range, connecting on 5-of-9 attempts. Although she leads the team in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks, her previous three-point shooting performance had been below expectations. If Davidson can maintain her newfound shooting rhythm, it may ignite her teammates’ performance as well.
Another pressing concern for the Trojans is the health of Kennedy Smith. She has missed the last two games due to a lower-leg injury, both resulting in defeats for USC. Smith’s absence has been particularly felt on the defensive end, where the team has struggled to contain opposing guards, leading to vulnerabilities highlighted in games against the Oregon Ducks and Minnesota. Prior to her injury, Smith was beginning to find her offensive rhythm, showcasing her potential in a standout performance against the No. 20 Nebraska Cornhuskers. Should she return, her all-around capabilities could prove essential against a strong Maryland backcourt.
The Maryland Terrapins remain a formidable opponent, despite a recent 89-76 loss to the No. 14 Ohio State Buckeyes. They are considered one of the leading contenders for the Big Ten championship, bolstered by the talents of senior guard Yarden Garzon and junior guard Oluchi Okananwa. Garzon leads the Big Ten and ranks 11th nationally with 53 three-pointers made this season, shooting at a 41 percent clip while averaging 13.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. In her last two outings, she has excelled, shooting 11-for-16 from beyond the arc. USC must prioritize containing Garzon early, as her scoring ability could quickly shift the momentum in Maryland’s favor.
Okananwa is also a crucial player for the Terrapins, averaging a career-high 17.4 points per game and boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 53.4 percent. With nearly 13 shots per game, her offensive efficiency is a key component of Maryland’s scoring prowess, which ranks within the top five in the Big Ten at 87 points per game. If USC can neutralize Maryland’s guards, the Terrapins may have to rely more on junior forward Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu, who averages 8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Her presence in the paint could become increasingly significant if outside shooting opportunities dwindle.
The upcoming game is not just another contest; it represents a critical juncture for USC as they seek to regain their footing in a competitive Big Ten landscape. A victory against a top-ranked team like Maryland could provide the momentum needed to rebuild their season and reestablish their presence in national discussions. As the Trojans prepare for this important matchup, both players and fans alike are hopeful for a turnaround that could restore their place among the elite in women’s college basketball.
