USC basketball smothers Saint Mary’s ahead of Big Ten opener
Tuesday night at the Galen Center, a small crowd cheered loudly for the defense. Every time the Trojans pushed back a jump ball, every time they chased down a loose ball, every time the team quickly went on the offensive on one of 18 defensive rebounds, the arena DJ asked the fans to encourage the commotion.
“DE-FENSE! DE-FENSE!”
While Saint Mary’s (5-4) turned the ball over 29 times, USC (6-2) took advantage of every opportunity presented itself to earn a dominating 79-33 victory over the Gaels. The Trojans weakened on both sides of the field. They held the visiting team to single digits in the final three quarters of the game and led by as many as 46 points, never relinquishing the lead.
Senior Londynn Jones led the Trojans with 17 points while hitting 4 of 5 from the free throw line.
“We made them look tougher than they are,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “They are a very good team that played other Power Four teams very hard and challenged us to improve this week, which we did.”
The Gaels had no chance against the Trojans. After finishing the first quarter with a four-point lead, USC’s defense exploded with six interceptions while forcing nine turnovers and holding Saint Mary’s to four points in the second quarter. Saint Mary’s shot 27 percent from the field and made 2 of 13 from the three-point line.
Three USC players scored in double figures while also contributing on defense. After earning his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor of the season, Jazzy Davidson had 14 points, three blocks, six assists and four rebounds. Senior Kara Dunn had 15 points with five rebounds, three steals and two assists. Jones, who came off the bench to lead the team in scoring, added four steals.
The Trojans had 13 fast break points, quickly moving the ball up the court after defensive stops. They shot 46% from the field and 76% from the free throw line.
“We’re making sure our execution is really good and we’re putting all our effort into every play and getting better at boxing out,” Dunn said. “We’re working to improve our ability to move the ball.”
The Trojans did not take the game lightly, with the bench scoring 33 points and 24 points in two separate quarters. USC looks to continue its strong execution when it hosts No. 5 Washington on Sunday.
“I think we really made a concerted effort to work and improve,” she said. “It’s not just about getting better at jumping or getting better at a game, it’s about mentally saying to yourself, ‘Do we need to talk more?'”
USC’s communication was strong throughout Tuesday’s game. Saint Mary’s players felt the pressure of two Trojans every time they touched the ball. If a shot missed, USC took care of the rebound.
“It’s a huge energy boost,” Dunn said of the dominant performance. “I feel like it brings us together, it connects us.”
