UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Chase Center on Sunday night, Cal couldn’t contain freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson, who scored 24 points to lead No. 19 USC to a narrow 61-57 victory. Despite a fierce fight, Cal’s efforts fell just short, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Cal’s performance was commendable, with Sakima Walker and Taylor Barnes each contributing 13 points, while Lulu Twidale added 11 points. The Bears trailed by just three points at halftime, showcasing their resilience against the Trojans’ high-powered offense.
Emerging from halftime with renewed energy, Cal quickly seized the momentum, scoring seven unanswered points to take a three-point lead. This forced USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb to call a timeout, reflecting the intensity of the game. Cal’s defense was effective in the third quarter, limiting Davidson to just three points while building a lead of up to nine points.
However, USC responded with tenacity, closing the third quarter on a 10-3 run, narrowing Cal’s lead to just two points. With less than 90 seconds remaining, Kara Dunn hit a crucial jumper to give USC a four-point lead. A pair of free throws from Gisella Maul cut the deficit to two, but a late turnover and a missed free throw by Walker proved costly as USC capitalized on clutch opportunities at the free-throw line to secure the victory.
Throughout the game, Cal’s defense held strong, particularly in the first half, where they allowed no other USC player to score more than seven points despite Davidson’s impressive start. Cal shot 41% from the field, but USC’s ability to force 11 turnovers led to nine critical points, giving the Trojans a 31-28 advantage at halftime.
As Cal looks to regroup, they will face Cal Poly next Sunday, aiming to bounce back from this narrow defeat. The Bears demonstrated that they can compete with ranked teams, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the women’s basketball season unfolds, showcasing the emerging talents and thrilling matchups ahead.
