UPDATE: The Oregon women’s basketball team is set for a crucial showdown against the No. 21 USC Trojans at the Galen Center in Los Angeles tonight at 7 p.m. This game marks the Ducks’ third encounter with a top-25 team in their first four Big Ten matchups, making it a pivotal moment for their season.
The Ducks are coming off a commanding 87-54 victory against Northwestern on New Year’s Day, marking their first conference win of the season. In contrast, USC is reeling from a heavy defeat, having lost 80-46 to rival UCLA last Saturday. Tonight’s contest will be the 80th all-time meeting between these two teams, with USC leading the series 49-30 and currently on a four-game winning streak against Oregon.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: A win for Oregon would not only improve their Big Ten record to 2-2 but also end a four-game road losing streak in conference play. Additionally, it would provide the Ducks with their first victory over a ranked opponent this season, as they are currently 0-2 against top-25 teams. Head coach Kelly Graves is eager to break the losing streak against USC, aiming for a first road win at the Galen Center since February 21, 2021.
LAST TIME OUT: Oregon’s recent triumph showcased a balanced offense, with standout performances from Katie Fiso scoring 17 points and Mia Jacobs contributing 16 points. The Ducks exhibited exceptional shooting, hitting 51.7% of their shots. Coach Graves expressed pride in the team’s resilience, stating, “It’s the mark of a good basketball team to bounce back after a tough loss.”
SCOUTING USC: The Trojans, despite their recent setback, have a formidable roster led by freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson, who averages 16.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. USC is also renowned for its defense, leading the Big Ten with an average of 7.1 blocks per game, making them a tough opponent for the Ducks.
WHAT TO WATCH: Fans should keep an eye on the matchup between Fiso and Davidson, two of the brightest stars in the conference. Fiso leads Oregon with an impressive average of 19.0 points against ranked teams this season, while Davidson seeks to maintain her block-per-game lead in the Big Ten.
This game is critical for both teams, not only impacting their conference standings but also setting the tone for the remainder of the season. Tune in to the Big Ten Network for live coverage and updates as the Ducks look to secure a much-needed victory in this intense rivalry.
