USC Outpaces Washington To Open Conference Play

By: Kevin Lucas

USC began Big Ten Conference play Sunday night inside the Galen Center against longtime West Coast foe, the Washington Huskies, led by Tina Langley and point guard Sayvia Sellers. The opening period of this game started with both teams playing solid defense as neither side could buy a bucket to get things going. The first quarter ended with the Huskies leading 8-4. In the second quarter, Kennedy Smith turned up her aggressiveness on both ends of the floor by getting into the lane and making plays for herself and her teammates.

Smith’s defensive tenacity allowed Jazzy Davidson to ease into the game, and when she did, it was no looking back. Washington’s star guard Sayvia Sellers got it going as well, as she went for 10 points in this stretch, fueled by a couple of 3-point makes. The Women of Troy’s bench provided a major spark during this quarter, also between Laura Williams and Gerda Raulusaityte. Their effort on the glass and ability to make free throws swung the momentum of this game in USC’s favor. Coming out of halftime, the score was tied at 22, but Jazzy Davidson and Kara Dunn had other plans.

The two big guards combined for 11 points and 7 boards to fuel USC as the game dragged on. In the final quarter of this conference opener, USC held a five-point lead, but Washington just refused to go away. Malia Samuels did an amazing job of fighting through screens and guarding the ball. USC’s offense as a whole made a more conscious effort to move the ball and share the wealth. Former SC guard Avery Howell finished the game with 16 points and 13 rebounds, but in the end, it just wasn’t enough, as the Trojans got timely stops and made their free throws to push them to a 59-50 win and 1-0 in Big Ten play.

Jazzy Davidson ended the game with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, while Kennedy Smith added 13 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. USC only made 2 3’s in this game, but won the glass and showed their mental toughness in an all-out battle. After the game concluded, the team and the USC faithful celebrated Lindsay Gottlieb for reaching 100 career wins as the leader of the Women of Troy in just under 5 full seasons. Her impact and contributions in revitalizing this program go far beyond the basketball court. Next on the schedule for USC? The No. 1-ranked UConn Huskies are at the Galen Center on Saturday afternoon.