USC Women’s Basketball Dominates Pepperdine with 82-52 Victory

The University of Southern California (USC) women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance against Pepperdine University, winning 82-52 on March 15, 2024. This victory positions the Trojans well as they prepare to enter Big Ten Conference play. The team’s strong defensive strategy contributed to one of their best performances this season, allowing them to limit Pepperdine to just 52 points, marking the third-fewest points the Trojans have allowed all year.

In an impressive display, Kara Dunn led the scoring for USC with 19 points, achieving an impressive shooting percentage of 80%. Freshman Jazzy Davidson followed closely behind with 18 points. Kennedy Smith not only contributed nine points but also facilitated the offense with a team-high seven assists. For Pepperdine, Elli Guiney was the standout player, scoring 12 points and providing six assists, while Meghan Fiso added 11 points and Bella Green led her team in rebounding with nine boards.

The Trojans showcased their defensive prowess, building on their previous game where they recorded a season-best of 15 blocks. Against the Waves, USC managed to secure eight blocks, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable defensive unit. Heading into the game, they ranked first in the conference for blocks and 11th nationally.

USC’s dominance began early in the first quarter, as they quickly established a lead. The Trojans executed a 15-2 scoring run, closing the opening quarter with a 21-10 advantage. Davidson played a crucial role in this stretch, not only contributing offensively but also defensively, knocking the ball away at the buzzer to end the first half.

The second quarter saw Davidson extend her scoring with a three-pointer, finishing the game with a 50% success rate from beyond the arc. Although she faced challenges at the free-throw line, making five out of eight attempts, her overall performance was a highlight of the match. The Trojans thrived under pressure, with Dunn delivering impactful plays, including a turnaround jumper and an and-one basket from Vivian Uwichukwu that stretched USC’s lead to 29-10.

As the game progressed, USC adapted its defense to double-team Pepperdine’s 6-foot guard Bella Green, who was pivotal for her team’s rebounding efforts. The Waves managed to score just 26 points in the first half, reflecting USC’s effectiveness on the defensive end.

In the third quarter, Rian Forestier made her mark by stepping in for Dunn and logging a season-high 12 minutes, during which she scored two three-pointers. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb utilized this game to give less experienced players valuable minutes, bringing in sophomore Brooklyn Shamblin and Auburn transfer Yakiya Milton as the match approached its conclusion.

Despite a stronger second half from the Waves, who shot 48.1% and scored 35 points, USC maintained control throughout. This match was significant for Pepperdine, as it marked their first encounter with a Power Four opponent this season.

Looking ahead, USC will host Saint Mary’s for a 19:00 tip-off on Tuesday, before beginning their Big Ten campaign against Washington on March 24 at 17:00. The Trojans are poised to carry momentum from this decisive victory into the upcoming challenges.