UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the University of Southern California (USC) edged out the California Golden Bears 61-57 at the Chase Center on Sunday night, showcasing a remarkable performance by freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson, who scored 24 points.
Despite a fierce effort from Cal, they struggled to contain Davidson, who dominated throughout the game. The Bears fought back valiantly, even taking the lead in the third quarter, but key turnovers and missed opportunities ultimately sealed their fate. This loss is particularly disappointing as Cal had managed to limit USC’s scoring options in the first half, allowing Davidson to shine while stifling other Trojans players.
The game was tightly contested from the outset, with Cal trailing by just three points at halftime. Coming out strong after the break, the Bears launched a 7-0 run to capture a three-point lead, forcing USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb to call a timeout. Cal’s defense tightened, holding Davidson to just three points in the third quarter while their own offense surged.
However, USC rallied late in the third, ending the period on a 10-3 run to narrow Cal’s lead to just two points entering the final quarter. With less than 90 seconds remaining, USC’s Kara Dunn hit a crucial jumper, giving the Trojans a four-point advantage. Cal’s Gisella Maul narrowed the gap to two with free throws, but a critical turnover and a missed free throw by Sakima Walker thwarted their chance to tie.
USC capitalized on their free-throw opportunities down the stretch, sealing the victory with clutch shots at the line. The Bears shot 41% from the field, with Walker and Taylor Barnes both contributing 13 points each, and Lulu Twidale adding 11 points. Yet, the struggles to recover from 11 turnovers, which led to nine points for USC, proved too costly.
This intense matchup not only highlights the emerging talent of Davidson but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season in women’s basketball. Cal will look to bounce back as they prepare to host Cal Poly next Sunday.
For fans and analysts alike, this game serves as a reminder of the competitive spirit and talent in college basketball, with Davidson’s performance likely to be a focal point in discussions of future stars in the sport.
