University Southern California Trojans
USC
10-3,2-0Big Ten
Nebraska
12-1,1-1Big Ten
No. 17 USC Women's Basketball Hands No. 20 Nebraska First Loss of the Season as Trojans Win 74-66
December 29, 2025 | Women's Basketball
Trojans snap Cornhuskers 12 game winning streak.
With the win, USC improves to 10-3 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play. The Women of Troy's victory also snapped a 12 game winning streak for the Cornhuskers, who entered the game undefeated and now fall to 12-1 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play.
Nebraska set the tone early, attacking the rim and capitalizing at the free-throw line as eight of their 20 first-quarter points came from the line. Offensively, senior Kara Dunn scored seven of USC's 12 points in the opening frame. The Trojans shot just 5-for-15 from the field in the quarter, ultimately trailing 20-12 heading into the second period.
USC settled in during the second quarter behind improved defense and interior scoring. Freshman Jazzy Davidson opened the period with USC's first basket, sparking a 6-0 run that tied the game at 22-22. The Trojans grabbed their first lead of the quarter with three minutes remaining in the half when Dayana Mendes knocked down a pull-up jumper. Junior Malia Samuels added her first points of the game on a layup, and Davidson went a perfect 2-for-2 at the free-throw line in the frame. USC outscored Nebraska 24-18 in the quarter and trailed by just two, 38-36, at halftime.
The game turned decisively after the break. Davidson opened the third quarter with a rebound layup, and senior Londynn Jones caught fire shortly after, drilling three straight three-pointers to give USC a 47-38 advantage. The Trojans pushed the lead to as many as 16 points, 65-49, late in the quarter, fueled by Jones' nine points in the period. Sophomore Kennedy Smith added to the surge, reaching double figures on a layup with 2:39 remaining. USC won the third quarter 29-14 to seize full control and enter the fourth period with a 13 point lead.
Nebraska made one final push in the fourth, trimming the deficit to six midway through the period, but USC's defense and timely baskets sealed the outcome. Smith scored six points in the final quarter, including back-to-back baskets, while Dunn added a jumper with 2:22 left and a free throw in the final minute. Samuels went 2-for-2 at the line and USC held Nebraska without a field goal over the final 1:20 to secure the eight-point win.
With a third AP Top-25 ranked win under their belt, the Trojans now turn their attention to the crosstown showdown on Jan. 3 against No. 4 UCLA . The game at Pauley Pavillion is scheduled to tip at 5:00 p.m. PT on Peacock.
MAIN TAKEAWAYS:
- FR Jazzy Davidson scored 17 points to record her 12th double-figure performance of the season (10 straight games in double figures). The freshman also tied her career high 5 blocks (Davidson has recorded 1 or more block in every game this season). Davidson also contributed eight rebounds, three assists and a steal
- SR Londynn Jones got her second start of the season on Monday afternoon, posting 13 points and 3 steals. Jones was 3-for-5 from three
- SO Kennedy Smith put up a season best 17 points and a season high 9 rebounds
- SR Kara Dunn put up 14 points and contributed five rebounds and two steals
-USC held Nebraska to under 80 points for the first time this season
- USC outscored Nebraska by 15 points over the final two quarters, turning a two-point halftime deficit into an eight-point win
-The Trojans were +13 on the boards, out-rebounding the Cornhuskers 38-25 (16 offensive rebounds)
- USC held Nebraska scoreless from the field over the final 2:42
- USC had four players score in double figures for the third time this season - Davidson (17), Smith (17), Dunn (14) and Jones (13)
- USC won the battle in paint points (44-28), points off turnovers (27-18) and second chance points (19-13)
