February 6, 2025.
That’s the last time No. 1 UConn lost a game.
No. 16 USC will aim to change that date to December 13, 2025, when they take on the Huskies on Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles (5:30 p.m. ET, FOX).
For the Trojans, winning won’t be easy. The Huskies are national champs and have started the year with eight-consecutive wins.
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While seeing how long it’s been since UConn has lost might be discouraging, there is a date that should give USC some encouragement: December 21, 2024.
On that day, the Trojans beat the Huskies in Connecticut. Replicating that result is easier said than done. While the Trojans will have homecourt advantage and the incentive to spoil UConn’s perfect season by earning their best victory of the year, UConn will be favored.
Can the home underdogs shock the basketball world and win, or will UConn’s dominance continue?
A USC win begins with Jazzy Davidson
It’s been said before, and it needs to be repeated: Jazzy Davidson is the key to USC’s success. The freshman is averaging 16.7 points and seven rebounds per game for USC. The better she plays, the more likely they are to pull off a win.
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Another key factor will be Londynn Jones. She started off a bit slow with USC, but in her last two games, she’s scored in double figures. If her shot is falling on Saturday against UConn, it’ll put USC in a position for success.
Defensively, Sarah Strong will present a lot of problems for USC. They’ll have to try to contain the sophomore forward and keep her off the glass. She averages 8.9 rebounds per game.
If they can limit Strong, and Davidson and Jones have big scoring nights, the Trojans will have a chance to walk out of the Galen Center with a win.
Look for another Strong win for the UConn
The Huskies, needless to say, are playing very well.
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Despite Paige Bueckers going pro, they haven’t missed a beat. Azzi Fudd has been on a tear and is averaging a team-high 18.2 points. Strong has been equally as dominant inside, scoring 17.9 points per game.
Not only is Strong a scoring machine and a top rebounder, but her passing is uncanny. She leads the team in assists, averaging 5.1.
If UConn plays their game, it’s going to be tough for USC to beat them. The Huskies should come out victorious, especially if they establish their dominance inside and win the battle of the boards.
However, USC has a different agenda. We’ll see if they can pull off the upset.
