UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Chase Center, Cal fought valiantly but ultimately fell to No. 19 USC with a final score of 61-57. Freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson dominated the night, scoring 24 points, proving to be unstoppable for the Bears.
The game unfolded on Sunday night, captivating fans as both teams displayed remarkable talent and determination. Cal kept the pressure on, trailing by just three points at halftime, but could not maintain momentum as the Trojans retaliated in the final moments.
In the third quarter, Cal surged back, scoring seven unanswered points to take a brief lead. However, USC’s resilience shone through as they fought back, closing the quarter on a critical 10-3 run.
With less than 90 seconds remaining, USC secured a four-point lead thanks to a jumper from Kara Dunn. Despite a late charge by Cal, including a pair of free throws from Gisella Maul that cut the lead to just two, a costly turnover and missed free throw by Sakima Walker sealed the Bears’ fate.
Cal’s strong performance was highlighted by Walker, who recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Taylor Barnes also added 13 points and Lulu Twidale chipped in with 11 points. The Bears managed to hold Davidson to just three points in the third quarter, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Despite the close score, USC capitalized on Cal’s mistakes, forcing 11 turnovers that led to nine points, establishing an advantage by halftime with a score of 31-28.
This hard-fought contest illustrated the bright future of women’s basketball, with Davidson’s standout performance drawing attention from fans and analysts alike. With Cal’s next game against Cal Poly scheduled for next Sunday, all eyes will be on how they respond to this narrow defeat.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses and the Bears look to bounce back from this tough loss.
