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

The USC women’s basketball team showcased their strength with a commanding victory over Pepperdine, winning 82-52 on Friday afternoon. This decisive win sets the stage for the Trojans as they prepare to enter Big Ten Conference play. With this game, USC improves its record to 5-2 for the season.

The Trojans delivered a standout defensive performance, limiting Pepperdine to just 52 points, marking the third-fewest points allowed by USC this season. Kara Dunn led the scoring for USC with a remarkable 19 points, shooting 80% from the field. Freshman Jazzy Davidson contributed significantly, adding 18 points, while Kennedy Smith rounded out the top scorers with nine points and a team-high seven assists.

Pepperdine’s Elli Guiney was the top scorer for the Waves, totaling 12 points and six assists. Teammate Meghan Fiso added 11 points, and Bella Green stood out in rebounding with nine boards. The Trojans continued to demonstrate their defensive prowess, recording eight blocks against a Pepperdine team that struggled to find its rhythm.

USC’s defense was particularly effective throughout the first half. The Trojans established an early lead with a 15-2 scoring run, allowing them to finish the first quarter with a 21-10 advantage. Davidson’s defensive skills shone as she blocked an attempt at the buzzer, capping off a strong team performance.

In the second quarter, Davidson opened with a 3-pointer, finishing the game with a 50% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Despite facing challenges at the free-throw line, she managed to convert five of eight attempts. The physical play by the Trojans proved beneficial as they adapted to the Waves’ one-on-one pressure, allowing Dunn to execute a turnaround jumper and extend USC’s lead to 29-10.

As the game progressed, USC employed double-teaming tactics against Pepperdine’s 6-foot guard Bella Green, who led her team in rebounds by halftime. By restricting the Waves to just 26 points in the first half, the Trojans set themselves up for a comfortable lead.

In the third quarter, sophomore Rian Forestier entered the game for Dunn and logged a season-high 12 minutes, contributing two 3-pointers to the scoreboard. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb utilized the opportunity to bring in less experienced players during the final quarter, including sophomore Brooklyn Shamblin and 6-foot-5 forward Yakiya Milton, a transfer from Auburn.

While Pepperdine managed to shoot 48.1% in the second half, scoring 35 points, the Trojans’ strong start and consistent performance ensured their dominance. This matchup marked the Waves’ first encounter with a Power Four opponent this season.

Looking ahead, USC will host Saint Mary’s on March 12, 2024, with tipoff scheduled for 19:00, before embarking on their Big Ten journey against Washington on March 17, 2024, at 17:00. The Trojans’ recent form suggests they are well-prepared for the upcoming challenges as they continue their season.