Freshman's Scoring Barrage Lifts Trojans in NCAA Tournament Opener
Trojans to Face Top Seed South Carolina After Thrilling Win
Freshman Jazzy Davidson delivered a clutch performance, pouring in 31 points and hitting the go-ahead three-pointer in overtime to propel ninth-seeded USC to a 71-67 victory over eighth-seeded Clemson in the first round of the women's NCAA Tournament. The Trojans, now 18-13 on the season, advance to face top-seeded South Carolina in the second round on Monday.
The game hung in the balance late in the overtime period. Clemson held a slim lead at 64-61 with just over two minutes remaining before Davidson ignited a crucial run. She was instrumental in regaining the lead for USC, a sequence that included a tying three-pointer and then the decisive basket shortly after. This critical offensive surge ensured USC's advancement in the tournament.
Davidson, a 6-foot-1 freshman, stroked a perfect shot from the right side to send the Trojans into a second-round matchup with top seed South Carolina on Monday.
The contest itself was a hard-fought affair, with Clemson leading for significant portions of the game, fueled by what sources describe as "hot shooting." The Tigers managed to tie the game late in regulation with free throws and forced a turnover, showcasing their resilience. However, USC's overtime execution, particularly Davidson's scoring, proved decisive.
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The overtime period saw USC outscore Clemson 10-6. The dramatic conclusion included a moment where Clemson believed they had tied the game with a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of regulation, but officials ruled the shot was taken after the clock expired.
USC will now face a familiar opponent in South Carolina, marking their second encounter this season. The recap of the game suggests a dynamic performance from Davidson, who also secured a three-point play with 53 seconds left in regulation to give USC a temporary lead. Despite missing her first four shots, her late-game heroics overshadowed an otherwise uneven offensive start.
The physical nature of the game was evident, with numerous possessions featuring close individual matchups. Players such as Rachael Rose, Demeara Hinds, and Raven Thompson for Clemson were noted in play against USC's Jazzy Davidson, Malia Samuels, and Kennedy Smith, among others. Coaches Lindsay Gottlieb for USC and Shawn Poppie for Clemson were also observed directing their teams throughout the intense matchup.
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USC's advancement sees them continue their NCAA Tournament journey, while Clemson's exit brings their season to a close. The outcome sets up a highly anticipated second-round clash between USC and the tournament's top seed.
