USC women’s basketball needs something more in this Big Ten basketball season. That something can be any of several things, but if Trojan fans had to choose one plot twist — a development most likely to lead to USC success — it would be a sharp improvement in Kennedy Smith’s offense. USC and Lindsay Gottlieb received exactly that against Nebraska on Monday. It was just what the doctor ordered for this team.
Efficient shooting
Kennedy Smith has shot under 35 percent in a number of games this season. Forget raw point totals; what really matters is that Smith becomes a more efficient shooter when she does put up shots. How does 8 of 12 from the field sound to you? That’s what Smith delivered against Nebraska. She scored clutch baskets, too, including a bucket which halted an NU run late in the fourth quarter and stabilized the game for the Trojans. This is the player who can take USC to higher places in March.
Everything else — as usual
You know you’re going to get lots of hustle plays and quality defense from Kennedy Smith. She collected 9 rebounds, handed out 6 assists, got a steal, and blocked two shots. She just makes winning plays everywhere on the court. With added offensive efficiency, she becomes a toweringly productive player.
Only one flaw
Kennedy Smith usually leaves a game thinking she can shoot better. That clearly wasn’t the case against Nebraska. She did commit 6 turnovers, however. She will go to the film room and then the court to make sure that gets fixed. She solved her offensive woes; now Kennedy Smith will address the need to take better care of the ball.
Jazzy Davidson’s pattern
Shifting the conversation away from Kennedy Smith, Jazzy Davidson once again overcame a slow start to play big in the middle of the game, especially the third quarter. She makes good halftime adjustments and does not allow missed shots early in a contest to affect her defense and, more broadly, her attitude. She’s a hugely resilient player who once again bounced back from a bumpy ride in the first quarter.
USC’s pattern
The Trojans have started slowly in a number of games this season. They did so against Washington and responded. They did so in this Nebraska game and responded. Against UConn and South Carolina, slow starts were too much to overcome. USC has to be better and sharper in the first 10 minutes of games, especially on the road. Not fixing this will catch up with the Trojans in January and February.
Reading the scouting report
On our podcast preview of this Nebraska game, analyst Cece Clay talked about the need to run Nebraska shooters off the 3-point line. USC held NU to 5-17 3-point shooting, a huge reason the Trojans won. The defensive game plan was on point. Beth Burns did it again, but the players also had to execute. Led by Kennedy Smith, they got the job done.
Rebounding
USC rebounded from an early 18-9 deficit to win. The Trojans also rebounded the basketball, scoring a 38-25 edge and showing the toughness needed to win a Big Ten road game. This is the blue-collar identity USC must maintain on the road in the conference.
Winning ugly — again
USC was outscored 19-10 at the free throw line and committed 19 turnovers. The Trojans played a poor first half. Yet, they battled through their flaws and surged in the third quarter, scoring 29 points. This team doesn’t play complete 40-minute games, but 25 minutes have been good enough on several occasions. Now USC needs to find a way to play a full 40 minutes, or at least 35. Imagine what happens when this team really puts it together. It is still 10-3 in spite of its limitations and lulls.
Londynn Jones
The veteran — who has played in the Big Ten with UCLA — figured to be important for the Trojans against Nebraska. She was. Londynn Jones was scoreless in the first half and committed two turnovers. In the third quarter, the elite version of Londynn came calling. She hit three 3-pointers in quick succession and posted 13 points in the third quarter. This is the player USC needs throughout the season, especially on the road.
Kara Dunn
Kara Dunn scored USC’s only points in the first eight minutes of the game. She got into foul trouble but hit a huge late-game jumper to stop a Nebraska rally. Dunn’s skill and winning mentality helped USC get over the line against the Huskers.
Nebraska’s first loss
The Huskers entered this game 12-0. They are now 12-1. USC grabbed a quality win and has several road-neutral victories on its resume. Given how deep the Big Ten is, most road wins are going to really help USC’s profile in March. At 10-3 and 2-0 in the Big Ten, USC has — on balance — had a good season up to this point. Is this team ahead of schedule? Maybe … but it certainly isn’t behind schedule.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Kennedy Smith’s offense helps USC women beat Nebraska on the road
Reporting by Matt Zemek, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
