On Sunday evening, the USC women’s basketball team defeated Cal 61-57 at Chase Center in San Francisco. With the victory, the Trojans improved to 9-3 on the 2025-2026 season.
What did we learn from the game? Here are a few takeaways:
Advertisement
Surviving a scare
USC came into the game as a relatively heavy favorite, with Cal entering the contest 0-4 against power conference opponents on the season. However, the Bears gave the Trojans a scare, leading by as many as eight points late in the third quarter. Ultimately, however, USC was able to do just enough to win the game and avoid the upset.
Finishing strong
After trailing 45-38 in the final minute of the third quarter, USC ended the game on a 23-12 run. It was not always pretty, but when the game was on the line, the Trojans came through.
The Jazz hits a crescendo
Freshman Jazzy Davidson recorded a new career-high 24 points in the contest. In addition, she added four rebounds, four blocks, two assists, and two steals.
Advertisement
Wrapping up nonconference play
USC concludes nonconference play with a record of 8-3. The Trojans played perhaps the most difficult nonconference schedule in the country, with games against NC State, South Carolina, Notre Dame, UConn, and Cal.
Up next
After a week off, the Trojans resume Big Ten play on December 29 with their first conference road trip to Nebraska. USC is currently 1-0 in the Big Ten, having defeated Washington at home on December 7.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC women’s basketball defeats Cal 61-57: Key takeaways
