USC Opens Season With 87–48 Win Over New Mexico State
The USC Trojans opened the 2025–26 season with a commanding 87–48 win over New Mexico State at the Galen Center, showing depth, defensive presence, and rebounding dominance in their first official game as members of the Big Ten Conference.
Team Overview and Analytics
USC finished with a net rating of +54, ranking in the 91st percentile nationally, and an offensive rating of 120.4, placing them in the 90th percentile.
The Trojans controlled the boards from start to finish, pulling down 49 total rebounds (90th percentile) — including 20 on the offensive glass (92nd percentile) and 29 defensive rebounds — while holding New Mexico State to just 48 points. Defensively, USC recorded 11 steals and 4 blocks while limiting itself to just 10 turnovers and 12 personal fouls.
Shooting-wise, the Trojans were steady but still have room to improve:
Overall field goal percentage: 40.9%
Two-point percentage: 45.2%
Three-point percentage: 33.3%
True shooting percentage: 52.3%
From the free-throw line, USC finished at 64%, an area that will need to tighten up as the season progresses. Historically, USC teams have been solid at the line, so expect that number to rise as players settle in.
Bench Steps Up
The Trojans’ bench was a major story in the opener, contributing 41 of the team’s 87 points — a sign of balance and depth across the rotation. Sophomore guard Londynnt Jones led the second unit with 16 points, bringing consistent energy and pace off the bench.
Standout Performers
Freshman forward Jazzy Davidson impressed in her USC debut, finishing with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and a team-best +32 plus-minus.
Kara Dunn provided toughness inside, collecting 8 rebounds — including 6 offensive — along with 12 points and a +13 plus-minus.
Kennedy Smith added 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, finishing +31, while Dayana Mendez posted 9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal,+22.
Sophomore guard Malia Samuels chipped in 4 points and strong defensive minutes in the backcourt.
Early Takeaways
For head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the opener showcased the team’s potential while leaving room for refinement. The Trojans’ rebounding numbers and defensive energy were elite, but free throws and finishing consistency remain areas for growth.
Still, for game one, the analytics tell the story: elite rebounding effort, low turnovers, and balanced scoring across all five positions — a strong foundation for a team still building its chemistry.
