Honestly, the energy around the Galen Center was just different on December 7, 2025. You could feel it. People weren't just showing up for a game; they were showing up to see if the hype around this new-look Big Ten rivalry was actually real. USC vs Washington women’s basketball has transformed from a regional Pac-12 scuffle into a heavy-hitting national narrative.
And man, that game delivered a defensive clinic that left everyone a bit breathless.
The Trojans walked away with a 59-50 win, but the score doesn't even begin to tell the whole story of how ugly—and then how beautiful—that game got. Washington came in ranked No. 21, undefeated at 8-0, and they played like they had a chip on their shoulder. USC, sitting at No. 16, had to figure out how to navigate a Husky defense that felt like it was playing with six people on the court for the first ten minutes.
The Shocking First Quarter and the Turning Point
Washington didn't just start fast; they basically built a wall. USC only managed to score four points in the entire first quarter. Four. It was the lowest-scoring quarter in recent program history, and the Galen Center crowd was dead silent. The Huskies jumped to an 8-0 lead and looked like they were going to run the Trojans right out of their own gym.
But here is where things got interesting.
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Lindsay Gottlieb, who picked up her 100th win at USC that night, didn't panic. She’s the fastest coach in program history to hit that milestone for a reason. Instead of forcing shots, USC started leaning into their physicality. By halftime, they’d managed to claw back to a 22-22 tie. It was a grind. It was sorta messy. But it was exactly the kind of basketball you'd expect when two top-25 teams are trying to make a statement in their new conference.
Jazzy Davidson Steals the Spotlight
While everyone usually watches JuJu Watkins—and for good reason—it was the freshman Jazzy Davidson who really took over late. She dropped 22 points, with eight of those coming in the fourth quarter when the game was on the line. She has this calm way of moving on the court that makes you forget she’s a newcomer.
JuJu Watkins had a quieter night by her standards, finishing with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. But that’s the scary thing about this USC team; they don't need JuJu to drop 40 to beat a ranked opponent. They have depth. They have people like Kennedy Smith, who matched a season-high 13 points and seemed to be everywhere on the defensive end with blocks and steals.
Why Washington is Still a Massive Threat
If you’re a Washington fan, you’re probably frustrated, but you should be optimistic. Sayvia Sellers and Avery Howell are the real deal. Sellers, who has been averaging nearly 19 points a game this season, keeps defenders on skates.
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Washington’s defense is legit. They held USC to just two three-pointers the entire night and limited them to 38.3% shooting. Most teams get absolutely scorched by the Trojans' perimeter game, but the Huskies took that away. They lost because of the "hustle categories"—USC dominated the glass 50-38 and outscored Washington's bench 19-6.
Honestly, the depth of the Huskies’ rotation is the one thing that might hold them back against the elite-tier teams. When your bench only contributes 6 points in a 40-minute game, your starters have to be perfect. They weren't.
The Big Ten Era: A Different Kind of Physicality
Moving from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten wasn't just a branding change; it changed the style of play. USC vs Washington women’s basketball games are much more physical now. You’re seeing more contact in the paint, more aggressive rebounding, and a lot more "grind-it-out" possessions.
The Trojans’ home winning streak hit 19 games with this win, their longest since the mid-80s. That’s not a fluke. It's a testament to the environment Gottlieb has built.
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Key Stats from the Recent Matchup
- Final Score: USC 59, Washington 50
- Rebound Margin: USC +12 (50 to 38)
- Bench Scoring: USC 19, Washington 6
- Defensive Stand: Washington held USC to 4 points in the 1st Quarter.
How to Watch the Rematch and Future Games
If you missed the slugfest in LA, you’ll want to circle the return games on your calendar. Most of these high-profile Big Ten matchups are landing on the Big Ten Network or streaming on Peacock.
For the tech-savvy fans, Fubo is usually the go-to for catching the Big Ten Network without a massive cable bill. Just make sure you check the local listings because the tip-off times have been shifting a lot to accommodate East Coast viewers now that these West Coast teams are in a "Midwest" conference.
What to Expect Next for Both Programs
USC looks like a Final Four contender. They have the star power in JuJu Watkins and the rising support in Jazzy Davidson. Their interior defense is scary, and as they get deeper into the 2026 season, that rebounding advantage is going to win them a lot of games they probably shouldn't win.
Washington is in that "dangerous spoiler" category. They have the defensive identity to frustrate anyone. If Tina Langley can find a way to get more production out of her bench players like Yulia Grabovskaia or Teagan Brown, the Huskies are going to be a nightmare in the Big Ten tournament.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Watch the Rebound Margin: In USC vs Washington women’s basketball matchups, the team that wins the glass by double digits has won every recent meeting.
- Monitor the Freshman Development: Jazzy Davidson is no longer just a "prospect." She is a primary scoring option. If defenses over-index on JuJu, Davidson will punish them.
- Bet the Under on Early Quarters: Both teams have shown a tendency to start slow and defensive. If you're looking at live betting lines, don't be surprised by low-scoring first halves.
- Check Roster Health: With the increased physicality of the Big Ten, keep a close eye on the injury reports for Kennedy Smith and Sayvia Sellers, as they carry a heavy workload for their respective squads.
The rivalry is officially renewed, and it’s arguably more intense than it ever was in the Pac-12. Keep your eyes on the standings because these two are likely on a collision course for a high-stakes rematch in March.