On Monday, the USC women’s basketball team defeated Nebraska 74-66 on the road. With the victory, the Trojans improved to 10-3 on the season and 2-0 in Big Ten play.
What did we learn from the game? Here are a few key takeaways:
A slow start
USC was playing its first game in more than a week, and the rust showed. The Trojans started the game in a slump, trailing 20-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Owning the third
The third quarter, however, proved to be where the game was won for USC. The Trojans dominated the frame, outscoring Nebraska 29-14.
Rebounding was key
USC recorded 38 rebounds to Nebraska’s 25. On the road against a top 25 opponent, rebounding is key, and the Trojans did just that.
Undefeated in conference play
While USC dropped a few nonconference games against ranked teams, the Trojans are 2-0 in the Big Ten. Right now, that is all that really matters as conference play gets into full swing.
Kennedy Smith and Londynn Jones offense
USC needed Kennedy Smith to shoot better. She went 8 for 12 versus Nebraska. USC needed Londynn Jones to be a 3-point shotmaker and extra scorer. She hit three 3-pointers in a 13-point third quarter which helped USC establish control of this game. If USC gets this level of offense from Kennedy Smith and Londynn Jones on a consistent basis, the Trojans will be a threat all the way into March.
Up next
The Trojans will now return to Los Angeles for the first Crosstown Showdown against rival UCLA on Saturday evening. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m. Pacific time on Peacock.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Takeaways from USC women’s basketball’s 74-66 victory over Nebraska
Reporting by Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
