Davidson facilitates, Dunn scores in USC win

Los Angeles, CA (News4UsOnline) – USC snapped a four-game losing streak with an 83–57 win over Purdue on Sunday afternoon at the Galen Center, using unselfish guard play, ball movement, and defensive pressure to control the game from start to finish.

Freshman guard Jazzy Davidson finished with 13 points and six assists, leading the Trojans in scoring while prioritizing efficiency and pace control. Senior guard Kara Dunn delivered the scoring punch with 29 points, capitalizing on the space created by USC’s ball movement as the Trojans pulled away in the second quarter. USC recorded 25 assists on 30  made field goals, emphasizing unselfish play and rhythm throughout the afternoon.

The win also marked the return of Kennedy Smith, who finished with four points and a team-high six assists after missing three games with a lower-leg injury. Her presence added stability to the backcourt rotation and helped USC maintain control once the lead was established.

With JuJu Watkins sidelined this season due to injury, USC’s freshman impact has taken on a different shape. Watkins’ 2023–24 freshman campaign was defined by historic scoring, as she averaged 27.1 points per game, set the NCAA Division I freshman scoring record, and later went on to win the John R. Wooden Award as the nation’s most outstanding player.

Davidson’s impact, meanwhile, has come through balance and efficiency. The freshman guard is averaging about 16 points, nearly seven rebounds, and close to four assists per game, while contributing defensively with steals and blocks. Rather than replicating Watkins’ scoring volume, Davidson has focused on facilitating offense, controlling tempo, and impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

According to USC Athletics, Davidson was named to the 2025–26 John R. Wooden Award Top 25 Midseason Watch List, becoming one of just two freshmen nationwide to earn the distinction. The recognition reflects her consistent production and influence across multiple areas of the game during her freshman season.

Despite having opportunities to score, Davidson said her mindset as a guard is rooted in making the right play for the team.

“I think making that one more pass when your teammates are open and just the excitement and energy that brings to the team is kind of priceless,” Davidson said. “So I try to facilitate as best as I can. We have some great shot-makers on this team.”

Dunn pointed to communication and trust as key factors in USC’s growth, particularly her relationship with Davidson.

“With Jazzy, through all this, we’ve gotten really close just talking on the court, off the court, about things we need to do for this team,” Dunn said. “Through all of this, I feel like we’re really starting to bond together.”

In a postgame press conference, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized growth and demeanor over the final score.

“It’s a lot more fun to win, but I was mostly really excited about our demeanor,” Gottlieb said. “Growth from Thursday night doesn’t matter unless you continue to build on that, and I thought we really did that tonight.”

Gottlieb also noted the significance of the moment, with the game falling on alumni day and Smith returning to the lineup.

“There’s nothing like the Women of Troy and the history of this program,” she said. “I thought we were really worthy of the greatness that’s come before us today. Having Kennedy back was incredible, and while the time without her has been hard, it’s led to growth.”

USC will look to build on the momentum as it continues a challenging stretch of its schedule, traveling to face No. 13 Michigan State and No. 7 Michigan before returning home to host No. 10 Iowa.

Game Facts and Context

• USC snapped a four-game losing streak with an 83–57 win over Purdue at the Galen Center.
• Freshman guard Jazzy Davidson finished with 13 points and six assists, leading the Trojans in scoring while prioritizing efficiency and ball movement.
• Senior guard **Kara Dunn- USC recorded 25 assists on 30 made field goals, emphasizing unselfish play and pace control.
• Kennedy Smith returned after missing three games with a lower-leg injury, finishing with four points and a team-high six assists.
• The win came after USC dropped its previous four games and marked a momentum shift heading into a difficult stretch of the schedule.
• USC will next face the Michigan State Spartans (No. 13) and Michigan Wolverines (No. 7) on the road before returning home to host the Iowa Hawkeyes (No. 10)

Cover Art/Photo: Los Angeles, CA – USC guard Jazzy Davidson (9) drives to the basket on Jan 18, 2026, during a Big Ten Conference women’s college basketball game against Purdue at Galen Center. Photo Credit: Ardie  Crenshaw / News4UsOnline