Oregon Ducks Face No. 21 USC in Crucial Big Ten Clash Tonight

UPDATE: The Oregon women’s basketball team is set for a critical showdown against the No. 21 USC Trojans tonight at 7 p.m. PT at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. This is the Ducks’ third top-25 opponent in just four Big Ten games, making it a pivotal moment for their season.

The Ducks are riding high after a commanding 87-54 victory over Northwestern to kick off the New Year, marking their first Big Ten win. Meanwhile, USC is looking to rebound after suffering an 80-46 loss to rival UCLA last Saturday. With both teams eager to secure a win, tonight’s matchup promises to be electric.

This meeting will be the 80th all-time between Oregon and USC, dating back to 1981. The Trojans currently lead the series with a record of 49-30 and have won the last four matchups, including a 66-53 win last season in Eugene. The Ducks have not won at USC since February 21, 2021, making this game even more urgent for Oregon.

What’s at Stake for the Ducks?

A win tonight would be monumental for Oregon, improving their Big Ten record to 2-2 and breaking a four-game road skid in conference play. It would also mark Oregon’s first victory over a ranked opponent this season, as they currently sit at 0-2 against top-25 teams.

Head coach Kelly Graves emphasized the need for a strong performance, stating, “We made a statement against Northwestern. I’m proud of how we played.” The Ducks are looking to build on their recent momentum and snap their losing streak against USC.

Key Players to Watch

Leading the charge for Oregon is sophomore guard Katie Fiso, who has stepped up significantly this season, averaging 15.3 points per game. She recently showcased her scoring ability with impressive performances, including a career-high 24 points against No. 6 Michigan. Alongside her, Mia Jacobs has been a key contributor, averaging 14.5 points and shooting 47.0% from the field.

For USC, freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson leads the team with 16.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, making her a formidable opponent on the court. The Trojans have played seven games against ranked teams this season, holding a 3-4 record in those matchups.

Broadcast Information

Fans can catch the action live on the Big Ten Network, with Elise Woodward providing play-by-play commentary and Tammy Blackburn serving as the analyst. The game will also be available on the Oregon Sports Network via KUGN 98.1 FM and ESPN Portland 910 AM.

Looking Ahead

As the Ducks prepare to face a tough USC squad, the outcome of tonight’s game could significantly impact their Big Ten standings and overall momentum for the rest of the season. With a win, they could not only improve their record but also gain confidence heading into future matchups.

The anticipation is palpable as Oregon aims to reclaim its footing in the Big Ten and break a streak against a rival program. Don’t miss this critical game—tune in at 7 p.m. PT to witness the action unfold!