The USC women’s basketball team ended a four-game losing streak by dominating Purdue 83-57 at Galen Center on Sunday.
USC guard Kennedy Smith returned to the court after missing three games while recovering from a lower leg injury.
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The Trojans (11-7, 3-4 Big Ten) built early offensive momentum and opened up an 11-point lead against Purdue (10-8, 2-5), setting a strong tone during the first half.
USC maintained control by scoring nine points to start the second quarter before a foul on Vivian Iwuchukwu sent Purdue forward Lana McCarthy to the free-throw line, where she recorded the Boilermakers’ first points of the period.
Read more: Kara Dunn scores 21 points and USC women work hard, but lose fourth in a row
The Trojans responded with a three-pointer from Kara Dunn, continuing to apply pressure on the offensive end.
Although Purdue found a rhythm and cut into the deficit, the Boilermakers were unable to take the lead and the Trojans entered halftime with a commanding 42–27 advantage.
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USC’s offense remained consistent throughout the second half, converting scoring opportunities and following through on shots as the Trojans maintained control of the game.
Purdue guard Tara Daye led the Boilermakers with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Kiki Smith added 15 points, while Avery Gordon finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
Read more: Kara Dunn’s late scoring surge can’t save No. 21 USC in loss to Minnesota
For USC, Dunn delivered a standout performance with a season-high 29 points and five rebounds. Jazzy Davidson was limited to three points in the first half, but the freshman star found her rhythm after halftime and finished with 13 points and six assists.
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Londynn Jones added 15 points, and Iwuchukwu contributed seven points and four rebounds.
USC will try to build on its win during a grueling Big Ten stretch, with games at No. 15 Michigan State Thursday, at No. 8 Michigan next Sunday and at home against No. 11 Iowa on Jan. 29.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
