The USC women’s basketball team earned a solid 79-33 win over Saint Mary’s at the Galen Center on Tuesday night.
A small but enthusiastic crowd cheered on the defense any time the Trojans forced a turnover. USC (6-2) held the Gaels (5-4) to less than 30% shooting in the paint and 15% from the 3-point line.
As the Trojans prepare to face No. 5 Washington at home on Sunday to begin conference play, senior Londyn Jones scored 17 points against Saint Mary’s while going four of five from the free throw line. Sophomore Kennedy Smith added 15 points and five rebounds. The home team led by as many as 26 points in the first half and held St. Mary’s to four points in the second quarter.
USC’s defense helped the offense take control of the game by forcing 29 turnovers, earning 16 steals and grabbing 29 rebounds. Saint Mary’s couldn’t figure out how to get past the Trojans’ defense to score.
Jazzy Davidson, who recently earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, finished with 14 points and six assists while playing 33 minutes. The bench scored 33 points and finished the game with a defensive rebound, remaining focused on preventing Saint Mary’s from scoring until the final buzzer.