The USC Trojans women”s basketball team is looking to build momentum as they prepare to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Sunday. A victory would bring USC closer to a .500 record in the Big Ten and help them finish the season on a positive note.
Following a recent win against Iowa, the atmosphere in the locker room was electric. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb struggled to get a word in as her players celebrated a much-needed victory after two consecutive losses during a tough road trip in Michigan. Senior Kara Dunn was the center of attention as her teammates expressed their excitement.
Despite missing junior guard Malia Samuels due to an undisclosed injury, her presence was felt on the bench and in the locker room. Meanwhile, sophomore forward Vivian Iwuchukwu left the Iowa game early with a leg injury but was seen celebrating afterward with her teammates, indicating she may be recovering well. Both players play crucial defensive roles, and their absence could challenge the team”s offensive strategy.
In terms of offensive capabilities, USC boasts a strong lineup with shooters like Kennedy Smith, Londynn Jones, Davidson, and Dunn, who recently surpassed 1,500 career points. Gottlieb emphasized that the team”s offensive design allows players to make intelligent decisions, which could lead to scoring opportunities against opposing defenses.
USC currently averages 17 assists per game, ranking sixth in the 18-team conference. However, their shooting percentage of 40.6% from the field is the second lowest in the Big Ten, indicating room for improvement.
On the other hand, Rutgers enters the match on a three-game losing streak, struggling with an average of just 58.8 points per game, the lowest in the conference. The Scarlet Knights have been hit by illness, affecting key players like leading scorer Nene Ndiaye and starting guard Zachara Perkins, who have missed games recently. Both returned for a loss against Oregon, although Perkins appeared to be shaking off some rust.
Rutgers head coach Coquese Washington noted the impact of their returning players but acknowledged the challenges faced during their last game, including 15 turnovers and foul trouble for starting forward Imani Lester. The team has struggled to shoot above 40% in their recent outings.
With their eyes set on improvement, the Trojans are eager to capitalize on their strengths against a struggling Rutgers team, aiming for a significant win to boost their confidence as the season progresses.
