URGENT UPDATE: Cal’s women’s basketball team faced a narrow defeat against No. 19 USC, falling 61-57 in a thrilling match at Chase Center on Sunday night. Freshman star Jazzy Davidson showcased her talents, scoring an impressive 24 points, leaving Cal struggling to contain her energy and skill.
Despite the loss, Cal put on a commendable performance, led by Sakima Walker and Taylor Barnes, both contributing 13 points each, while Lulu Twidale added 11 points. Cal managed to stay close throughout the game, trailing by only three points at halftime.
As the third quarter commenced, Cal ignited their momentum, scoring seven unanswered points to seize a three-point lead. USC’s coach Lindsay Gottlieb was compelled to call a timeout to regroup. Remarkably, Cal managed to restrict Davidson to just three points in the third quarter, allowing their lead to swell to as much as nine points.
However, USC’s resilience shone through as they finished the quarter strong, going on a 10-3 run to narrow the gap to just two points heading into the final quarter. With under 90 seconds remaining, Kara Dunn pushed USC ahead with a crucial jumper, establishing a four-point lead.
Cal fought back, with Gisella Maul sinking two free throws to cut the deficit to just two points at the 1:15 mark. However, a critical turnover and a missed free throw by Walker proved costly. USC capitalized on the pressure, hitting their free throws in clutch moments to secure the victory.
Throughout the match, Cal’s defense initially kept USC’s secondary scorers at bay, allowing Davidson to dominate with her 14 points in the first half, while no other USC player exceeded seven points. However, USC’s defense forced Cal into 11 turnovers, translating into nine points that helped them take a slight lead by halftime, 31-28.
Cal will look to bounce back when they host Cal Poly next Sunday, aiming to harness the energy from this closely contested match. The excitement surrounding women’s basketball is palpable, with Davidson’s performance setting the stage for a promising future in the sport.
This match highlighted both teams’ determination and skill, with fans eager to see what’s next in this thrilling season.
