MILAN, ITALY– On the 46th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, The U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in Overtime to win men’s hockey gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in thrilling fashion, on Sunday, February 22. Jack Hughes became a U.S. hero, as he scored the Golden goal in one of the greatest hockey games of all time.
As he sunk the puck behind Canada’s goalie Jordan Binnington, he threw up his arms in celebration as the rest of the U.S. flew off the benches to join him on the ice.
It was pure bliss and joy, the brotherhood of team USA-the jubilant players proudly skating across the rink. Draped in the American flag, after losing two heartbreaking gold medal games to team Canada, at last the United States has conquered the Canadian behemoth.
These fierce rivals wasted no time as Matt Boldy of Team USA scored early in the first period to go up 1-0. Canada controlled the second period, tying the contest at one apiece in the second period courtesy of Cale Makar.
Canada blew several opportunities including a 5 on 3 penalty, because American goalie Connor Hellebuyck was sensational. Stopping 41 of the 42 shots, including a stick save which was heart stopping.
If not for Hellebuyck, Canada would have blown out Team USA and certainly flew home with the Gold medal. It was the greatest game of his career, and that’s saying something since he is the reigning NHL MVP.
Jack Hughes was filled with national pride basking in the glimmering Gold in his post-game comments. “This is all about our country. I love the USA, I love our teammates… I’m so proud to be American today.”
It is the third ever gold medal for the United States men’s hockey team.
A winner-take-all showdown between the U.S. and Canada has long been the most enticing potential matchup at these Olympics, but neither hockey superpower had the luxury of just strolling to the gold-medal match.
The U.S. needed an overtime game winner from Quinn Hughes to survive Sweden in the quarterfinals. Canada rallied to overcome third-period deficits against Czechia in the quarters and Finland in the semis.
The Americans withstood unrelenting Canadian pressure for most of the second period, even killing off the 5-on-3 power play that lasted 93 seconds. Hellebuyck made a series of massive saves at close range, even stuffing the Olympics’ leading points scorer Connor McDavid on a breakaway.
In a stunning coincidence, the women’s United States beat team Canada by a score of 2-1 in OT in their Gold Medal game on Thursday.
Spooky.
Megan Keller scored the Golden goal in OT on a killer backhander which squirted under the 5 hole, into the net for immortality.
This was the best Winter Olympics in United States history. Amassing 12 gold medals in the 2026 Milan Winter games.
The game started bright and early at 5:10 a.m. with the drama, thrills and gripping action, it was an instant classic.
Pacific Palisades, CA- Jacob Bridgeman might be seen as an ‘overnight success’ with this being his maiden PGA tour victory, but the 26-year old Clemson alum was trending even in his Pro-am performance prior to him bridging a stellar three rounds, culminated with an impressive final round of withstanding pressure against notable top competitor, Rory McIlroy and playing for “his goat” Genesis host, Tiger Woods, whom hasn’t won himself at this PGA tour signature event in its renowned venue’s, The Riveria Country Club.
“I guess he’s never won,” Bridgeman said about meeting Tiger after finishing. “I got one thing. He’s got all the other ones, but I’ve got one. Yeah.”
Photo by Cole Perez / fi360 News
Bridgeman unfolded some great confidence in front of a captivated crowd after listening to them root for McIlroy to attempt a remarkable comeback then Bridgeman began to walk up to sink his final putts to seal his name in PGA tour history, breaking the scoring record and becoming a first-time champion playing for the first time since Adam Scott in 2005.
“I thought it would be a lot easier than it was. I kind of had everything under control, especially to start the day and I felt great throughout the day and then some guys started making a little run and they got a little closer,” Bridgeman said during the post round presser.
Despite no birdies after his first three holes, his consistency and composure drew more notice from his competitors that they would have to chase him with birdies rather than him contending without them.
“I think the runs that were made by some of the other guys by Adam and Kurt and even Rory were late,” Bridgeman said. “I was kind of playing pretty free until right at the end. I didn’t really have any stress the whole day. I was hitting shots to 20, 30 feet kind of just consistently. I thought the pins today were a lot more challenging than the first three days,” Bridgeman said.
Photo by Cole Perez / fi360 News
Bridgeman opened the final round with a dominating six-stroke lead, which he extended to seven entering the back nine. While pressure mounted with McIlroy holing out at 12th hole from the bunker and other contenders emerging like Kurt Kitayama, who finished tied with McIlroy for second after carding a seven-under-par 64, Bridgeman watched the leaderboard confidently that he would be still be able to secure his first title with a par on his final hole.
“I had a couple unfortunate breaks and um yeah, it got a lot tighter than I wanted to, but I don’t think it’ll get any easier than a six-shot lead,” Bridgeman said.
Speaking of leaderboard, while some were not surprised about Bridgeman’s impressive debut, what did put others in an uproar was Scottie Scheffler almost missing the cut during the tournament and failing to continue his impressive streak of top 10s finishes.
“I saw all wherever the leaderboards are today. I saw them all,” Bridgeman said. “I don’t shy away from knowing where I’m at. Maybe that’s a bad thing at times, but I wanted to know if somebody was doing something and I need to press, you know, a button to make a couple birdies. I was very aware the whole day and I I felt comfortable right till the end there,” Bridgeman said.
Photo by Cole Perez / fi360 News
Bridgeman is building up streak of his own with two top-10 leaderboard finishes in his first four events to begin the year that includes an eighth-place finish last week at Pebble Beach.
Bridgeman, whom had a solid last year to reach the Tour Championship, did not withhold his emotions about getting married two months ago or unable to share this moment with his parents after finishing 18-under 266 to claim the title against a formidable field for a $4 million paycheck alongside a congratulatory handshake and hug from his hero Tiger Woods atop the 18th green nearby the clubhouse.
LOS ANGELES, CA — USC had the game where it wanted it before the final minutes changed everything.
The Trojans led in the second half and appeared positioned for a key home victory, but late turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Oregon to escape with a 71–70 win at Galen Center.
USC built momentum midway through the second half, using interior scoring and defensive stops to take control and push the lead to eight points. The Trojans dictated tempo and forced Oregon to play from behind, but the Ducks responded with execution down the stretch.
Photo by Dylan Berkman
Kwame Evans Jr. led Oregon with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Nate Bittle added 14 points and seven rebounds. Oregon slowed the pace late, converted free throws and capitalized on USC mistakes in the final possessions.
The Trojans had multiple chances to secure the game but could not finish offensive possessions in the closing minute. Oregon’s defensive stops and rebounding sealed the comeback.
“They know,” USC coach Eric Musselman said. “The attitude in the locker room is the kids know they let a big one get away.”
Photo by Dylan Berkman
Chad Baker-Mazara led USC with 21 points and five rebounds. Ezra Ausar added 15 points and 11 rebounds, and freshman guard Alijah Arenas scored 13 points but struggled from the field, finishing 4-for-14 shooting.
“Ailjah can’t go 4 for 14,” Musselman said. “He’ll learn from it. He’s a freshman, but we need better shot selection and execution late.”
Jacob Cofie contributed nine points and eight rebounds as USC matched Oregon physically inside. The Trojans outscored the Ducks 38–36 in the second half but could not hold the lead in the closing minutes.
Ryan Cornish said the team is focused on responding.
Photo by Dylan Berkman
“We’re all ball players,” Cornish said. “We’ll keep playing and get ready for the next one.”
Oregon shot 45.1% from the field and made 21 of 27 free throws, while USC shot 38.3% and committed late turnovers that created extra possessions for the Ducks.
USC controlled much of the second half, but Oregon controlled the final possessions — and that was enough to determine the outcome.
Los Angeles, CA – Freshmen Jazzy Davidson scored 24 points as she continues to progress this season in her role as the team’s go to scorer while her team demonstrated collective growth by extending their win streak to six games after withstanding Wisconsin at the Galen Center, Thursday night, 66-59.
“I thought we were super locked in especially when shots weren’t falling,” USC Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said.
Both teams got off to a sluggish start with USC trailing 6-2 before a media timeout occurred at 4:37 mark followed by a set play that caught Wisconsin off guard on a backdoor screen leading to an easy basket to initiate a USC run.
“I think that that we tried to work on a lot of different things and it doesn’t all, you know, show in one game, right?“ Coach Gottlieb said about her team’s development over their bye week. “We want to make every shot and make every play. But I think just the connectivity how we worked a lot actually on defending off ball screens because I don’t think we did a great job of that against Indiana.”
Women of Troy d’up to close out that first period with ten points off of six forced Badgers turnovers. Davidson finished the period on a converted three-point play, putting her team up, 14-10.
“We have so many people who can make plays on the team,” Coach Gottlieb said. “so just knowing what’s the right read and if the right read is a pull-up jumper five times in a row, you take it like you expect to make it. And if the right read is a kick, you know, to the roller or a spray out, like so we just try to work on those things and I do see a ton of growth. I see a ton of growth all the time and doesn’t mean it’s going to lead to perfect games, but hopefully it leads to a lot of winning and winning down the stretch when games are at their most critical.”
Davidson resume the second period with another scoring drive, followed by a deep range triple, increasing the scoring margin to double digits, 23-13, USC advantage.
The Women of Troy never looked back after finding their rhythm in the open court for 13 fastbreak points. Davidson entered halftime with a game high 10 points, and redshirt freshman Laura Williams continued her dominance ever since her game minutes increased with six boards and four blocks. USC led Wisconsin, 30-22 for the first half.
“I think it’s all slowed down for her [Davidson], coach Gottlieb said. “Like even though she plays at a really great pace, I think the reads have slowed down, the ability to see what’s in front of her in the right play. And then you see the versatility in our game come out because it it could be threes, it could be getting all the way to the rim, it could be pull-ups, it could be passing…”
Davidson who was like a touch of jazz on both ends of the court—flowing in her mid-range jumper, crescendo with her blocks, and fading away from deep, putting on a symphony of classic plays against Wisconsin with a perfect field percentage, 5-5 for 14 points.
“Jazz’s role is obviously really significant, “coach Gottlieb said. “She’s just involved in everything. And to see a young player
just continue to take on different ways that they can improve and be elite is great, but it’s across the board. I think all of our players have kind of bought into that…”
USC held on to their lead, presenting tangible growth and composure on both ends of the floor, particularly on their defense. Wisconsin wasn’t allowed to get closer than six despite some great pick in roll action that could not get them over the hump, finishing the third down, 51-42.
Junior Dayana Mendes picked up some critical minutes as Senior Kara Dunn had an unusual off shooting night, to open the fourth-quarter with a dagger three-pointer stretching the lead to 14, 56-42.
“Obviously, on the defensive end, I think when you’re really talented and you come in, you’re just thrown in, you just play,” coach Gottlieb said.
USC did not throw away their shot for most of the game, capitalizing on a frantic Wisconsin team turnovers and amping up their dominance on ball pressure as you could sense the game slipping away.
Women of Troy sealed the game on 15 fast break points and a 17-10 advantage in points off turnovers.
Davidson dished out six assists to go along with her 23rd consecutive contest in double figures, fourth straight with 20 or more points and 11 times reaching the 20-point mark this season. Dunn chipped in 14 points and Williams posted a career-high 14 rebounds alongside matching a career best four blocks.
“My dad [Super Bowl champ and quarterback Doug Williams], he’s kind
of just given me bits and pieces as I’ve grown up, Williams said about his influence on her athletic performance. “I know he went through a lot of hardship at the time that he did what he did. So kind of just seeing him or like knowing that he went through that and knowing that I could do it myself no matter what type of adversity I face…Even if it looks a little different than what he went through.”
USC travels back east for their final road trip of the season, matching up against No. 10 Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 22, followed by Penn State on Wednesday, Feb. 25 before the rematch March 1st crosstown showdown with UCLA an onset of March Madness.
UCLA's Charlisse Leger-Walker drives towards the goal. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
LOS ANGELES, CA — No. 2 UCLA continued its dominant run through the Big Ten on Thursday night, pulling away in the second half for an 82-67 victory over Washington at Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins (26-1, 16-0 Big Ten) extended their winning streak to 20 games by using a balanced scoring attack and a decisive third-quarter surge to put away the Huskies. Washington kept the game competitive through the first half, but UCLA’s defensive pressure and rebounding advantage proved too much over the final 20 minutes.
“We challenged them at halftime to raise our defensive intensity,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. “I thought in the third quarter we really locked in — we rebounded with purpose and shared the ball the way we’re capable of.”
UCLA’s Kiki Rice surveying the baseline. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
UCLA led by just five at halftime before breaking the game open with a 12-2 run midway through the third quarter. The Bruins forced consecutive turnovers that led to transition baskets and second-chance opportunities, energizing the home crowd and creating separation that Washington could not overcome.
Kiki Rice controlled the tempo throughout, pushing the pace and finding open teammates while also attacking the rim. Lauren Betts anchored the paint on both ends, altering shots defensively and finishing efficiently inside. The Bruins’ depth again played a pivotal role, with multiple players contributing timely baskets as UCLA stretched its lead to double digits entering the fourth quarter.
UCLA’s Lauren Betts #51 finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
Washington (record not provided) stayed within striking distance behind steady perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket in the first half. The Huskies capitalized on early UCLA miscues and briefly trimmed the deficit to single digits early in the third quarter before the Bruins responded with their decisive run.
“Our focus was staying composed,” Rice said. “They made some shots and made a push, but we trusted our defense and kept moving the ball. When we do that, we’re hard to guard.”
UCLA’s defense tightened considerably after halftime, contesting 3-point attempts and limiting Washington to one shot on most possessions. The Bruins also dominated the glass during the second half, creating extra scoring chances that gradually wore down the Huskies.
UCLA’s Angela Dugalic and Washington’s Sayvia Sellers going after the loose ball. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
By the midway point of the fourth quarter, UCLA had built a lead of more than 15 points, allowing Close to rotate her bench while maintaining control. The Bruins finished with a balanced offensive effort, with several players reaching double figures as they improved to a perfect 16-0 in conference play.
The win keeps UCLA firmly atop the Big Ten standings and strengthens its case for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. Pauley Pavilion has become a fortress during the Bruins’ win streak, with Thursday’s performance underscoring the team’s consistency and depth on both ends of the floor.
Washington will look to regroup as it continues conference play, while UCLA remains at home seeking to extend its unbeaten conference run and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Palisades, CA – Tiger Woods is not only hosting this year 2026 Genesis Invitational in its return to The Riveria, also affectionately called The Riv, he also made an effort to welcome students from multiple schools to private members club for various educational activities curated by Tiger Woods Foundation and TGR Learning Labs.
“I’m apart of this community,” Woods said right after closing remarks for today’s sports media panel as part of the TGR Foundation local programming. “Creating a space for all of you, this is why we are doing this; to create an environment for you to chase your passions or even create passions…”
Second round of the Genesis Invitational at the Rivera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 14, 2020. Jevone Moore
Woods was joined on stage by multiple sports figures and dignitaries that included TGR Foundation, Hrag Hamalian, LA Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, and Lulu’s Place Chairman and Founder, Doug Kimmelman.
“Let me tell you, it’s not often rich people buy about 137 acres of land and it be not for profit,” Harbaugh said.
Students in attendance today came from St. Bernard’s, View Park and AUHSD’s Western, also Woods’ alma mater.
TGR Foundation Senior Vice President John Lee served as moderator of the sports panel that featured NBC4 Adrian Arambulo and TGR Live Director Noah Sharfman along with LA Chargers content team representatives, Taylor Goldman and Megan Julian.
TGR Foundation will host its next activity over the weekends for students to get an opportunity to observe some live action on the course.
LOS ANGELES, CA — Illinois established control in the opening minutes and never allowed USC to recover.
The Fighting Illini opened the game with an early scoring run and led from start to finish in a 101–65 victory over the Trojans at Galen Center, combining efficient offense, rebounding and defensive pressure to secure the road win.
Illinois dictated tempo immediately, forcing turnovers and converting them into transition baskets to build a double-digit lead in the first half. USC struggled to settle into its offense against ball pressure, and the margin continued to grow as Illinois maintained steady scoring. The Illini carried a 54–32 halftime advantage and extended the lead throughout the second half.
Photo by Jevone Moore
Stojaković led Illinois with 22 points, providing consistent perimeter scoring and helping maintain offensive rhythm whenever USC attempted to slow the pace. Illinois also controlled the glass and generated second-chance opportunities while limiting USC’s interior production.
“We came out ready to play,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “Our pressure helped us get the pace where we wanted it, and when we defended and rebounded, our offense followed.”
USC showed brief offensive stretches but was unable to string together stops. Ezra Ausar led the Trojans with 15 points and six rebounds, working primarily in the paint, while Jacob Cofie added 14 points. Freshman guard Alijah Arenas, who did not practice the day before due to illness, scored eight points and connected on two 3-pointers.
Illinois widened the gap midway through the second half with a decisive run fueled by transition scoring and perimeter shooting. Turnovers by USC led to easy baskets, pushing the lead beyond 30 points and effectively determining the outcome.
“We shared the ball and stayed aggressive,” Stojaković said. “Once we got stops and ran, the game opened up for us.”
After the game, USC coach Eric Musselman acknowledged execution problems and pointed to areas needing improvement, particularly defensive consistency and handling pressure.
Photo by Jevone Moore
“We have to be better,” Musselman said. “I don’t know why we’re playing better on the road than we are at home right now. That’s something we have to fix.”
Musselman also noted the Trojans struggled against Illinois’ full-court pressure, which disrupted offensive sets and led to rushed possessions.
Illinois maintained control throughout by forcing turnovers, rebounding effectively and converting in transition. USC showed interior effort at times but could not generate sustained offense or defensive stops.
The Illini’s early run set the tone, and their consistency prevented any serious comeback attempt, securing a wire-to-wire road victory.
UCLA's center fielder Will Gasparino hits his second home run of the game. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
LOS ANGELES, CA — Top-ranked UCLA shook off an early deficit and pounded out 13 runs to defeat Tulane 13-5 on Tuesday night at Jackie Robinson Stadium, scoring in seven of eight innings to secure a midweek nonconference victory.
The Bruins (No. 1 in the preseason polls) trailed 2-0 before their offense erupted behind key contributions from Roch Cholowsky and Will Gasparino, each of whom homered as UCLA improved its early-season momentum. Tulane, playing a midweek road contest, could not contain the Bruins’ relentless lineup once it found its rhythm.
UCLA responded quickly after falling behind in the opening innings, stringing together timely hits and capitalizing on Tulane pitching miscues. By the middle frames, the Bruins had seized control, plating runs in consecutive innings and steadily building separation.
UCLA’s shortstop Roch Cholowsky’s first of two home runs. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
“We didn’t panic when we went down early,” UCLA coach John Savage said. “This group understands that it’s nine innings. Once we settled in offensively, we started taking better at-bats and putting pressure on them every inning.”
Cholowsky provided one of the biggest swings of the night, launching a home run that shifted momentum and energized the dugout. Gasparino followed with a homer of his own as part of a multi-run surge that put UCLA firmly in command. The Bruins’ lineup showed depth throughout, consistently moving runners and delivering with two outs.
Tulane struck first with two early runs, taking advantage of a shaky start on the mound by UCLA. But the Bruins bullpen stabilized the game, limiting the Green Wave to five total runs and preventing any sustained rally. After the early damage, UCLA pitchers combined to keep Tulane’s hitters off balance with a mix of off-speed pitches and well-located fastballs.
UCLA’s starting pitcher Angel Cervantes in the windup. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
“Our bullpen did a great job of locking it down after the first couple innings,” Savage said. “They attacked the zone and let our defense work.”
By the late innings, UCLA’s offense had fully taken over. The Bruins scored in all but one frame, showcasing patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning. Extra-base hits and productive outs allowed them to extend the lead, and they tacked on insurance runs to remove any doubt.
Gasparino finished with multiple RBIs, while Cholowsky’s home run highlighted a balanced offensive attack that featured contributions throughout the lineup. UCLA’s ability to answer Tulane’s early punch underscored why the Bruins entered the season ranked No. 1 nationally.
Tulane catcher Johnny Elliot rounding 3rd base after a home run. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
Tulane managed five runs but struggled to keep pace once UCLA began scoring in bunches. The Green Wave bullpen was unable to slow the Bruins’ momentum, particularly during the middle innings when UCLA’s lineup turned over and continued to apply pressure.
The win reinforced UCLA’s status as an early-season favorite and demonstrated the team’s depth both at the plate and on the mound. For Tulane, the midweek matchup provided a challenging test against one of the nation’s top programs.
UCLA’s first baseman Mulivai Levu slides into third base. Photo by Jason Purisima / fi360 News
UCLA will continue its homestand later this week, looking to build on a performance that combined offensive firepower with steady relief pitching.
UCLA's Sienna Betts and Kiki Rice box out. Photo by Jason Purisima
LOS ANGELES, CA — No. 2 UCLA extended its winning streak to 19 games Sunday afternoon, overwhelming Indiana 92-48 behind balanced scoring, relentless rebounding and stifling defense in a Big Ten women’s basketball matchup.
Kiki Rice scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Lauren Betts recorded her 10th double-double of the season with 16 points and 14 rebounds, and the Bruins (25-1, 15-0 Big Ten) remained unbeaten in conference play. UCLA has not lost since a 76-65 defeat to No. 4 Texas on Nov. 26 and owns the nation’s third-longest active win streak.
UCLA’s Kiki Rice in a jump shot. Photo by Jason Purisima
Indiana (14-13, 3-12) shot a season-low 31% from the field and tied its season low for points in a game, struggling to generate consistent offense after losing leading scorer Shay Ciezki to an apparent ankle injury late in the first quarter.
“Our standard is to bring energy on both ends for 40 minutes,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. “When we defend, rebound and share the ball the way we did today, we’re a very difficult team to beat.”
The Bruins set the tone early with their physicality inside and activity on the glass. UCLA outrebounded Indiana 51-24 overall, including a season-high 23 offensive rebounds, and turned those extra opportunities into a 28-2 advantage in second-chance points. The Bruins also forced 13 turnovers while committing just four, converting Indiana’s miscues into 25 points.
Rice controlled the tempo throughout, attacking in transition and finishing through contact. Betts dominated the paint on both ends, securing her 43rd career double-double and anchoring a defense that limited Indiana to 4-of-20 shooting from 3-point range.
UCLA’s Gianna Kneepkens drives to the rim. Photo by Jason Purisima
“We take pride in rebounding and defending without fouling,” Betts said. “When we crash like that and limit teams to one shot, it fuels everything else we want to do offensively.”
UCLA’s depth also proved decisive. Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens scored 12 points each, Gabriela Jaquez added 11, and Sienna Betts and Lena Bilic contributed 10 apiece as the Bruins steadily built their lead. UCLA led by double digits at the end of the first quarter and continued to widen the margin behind a suffocating defensive effort that disrupted Indiana’s rhythm.
Maya Makalusky led the Hoosiers with 13 points. Lenee Beaumont added 11 on 4-of-14 shooting, and Nevaeh Caffey scored 10. But Indiana, which entered the game shooting 47.9% — 14th-best nationally — struggled to find clean looks against UCLA’s length and pressure.
Indiana’s Maya Makalusky. Photo by Jason Purisima
Ciezki, who came in averaging 24.0 points per game to rank fifth nationally and lead the Big Ten, exited after appearing to twist her ankle and did not return. Without her scoring punch, the Hoosiers were unable to keep pace as UCLA turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.
The Bruins’ dominance on the boards and efficiency on offense underscored why they remain firmly in the national championship conversation. With just weeks remaining in the regular season, UCLA continues to separate itself atop the Big Ten standings.
UCLA will host No. 25 Washington on Thursday as it seeks to extend its streak to 20 games. Indiana returns home to face Oregon next Sunday, looking to regroup as the conference schedule winds down.
UCLA’s Angela Dugalic finishes with a finger roll. Photo by Jason Purisima
Los Angeles, CA – USC appeared to figure out by now their early season woes of slow starts and low first quarter scoring, until Indiana showed up at the Galen Center, Thursday night, bringing out remnants of old memories that gradually faded when Freshman standout Jazzy Davidson tuned up her game, finishing with 24 points to lead her team into their fifth straight victory, while kicking down Indiana whom played without their top player and conference leading scorer, 79-73.
“I want to credit Indiana,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “…to come out and play the way they did, Coach Terry’s a great coach. Their kids played their tails off. they obviously, you know, had us on our heels initially, but I’m proud of the way we competed. I’m proud of our fight and …just the growth we see in the team and our confidence to get it done, even if it’s not always the prettiest, is something that we’re proud of and we’ll take, you know, the bye week and get better!”
USC closed the first quarter 24-13, down by 11 after Freshman Jazzy Davidson warmed up eventually from a drive to the basket off a lead pass by Senior Transfer Londynn Jones, whom started the game after coming off the bench early in the season.
“Just look at she makes kind of ridiculous stats look fairly ordinary for her and they’re not ordinary, right? Like the numbers are really showing it, but we’ve seen for a long time that she’s just capable of doing almost anything on a basketball court…and she plays both sides of the ball.” Coach Gottlieb said.
USC countered Indiana’s opening quarter run with their second quarter run, outscoring 22 – 13 and closing the lead into two before halftime, 37- 35 behind Davidson’s 14 first half points.
“I think it’s really just been comfortability for me,” Davidson said about her improved performance. “The support of my teammates and coaches just puts all the confidence in me and I’m just really grateful for that.”
Redshirt freshman Laura Williams got the team fired up and jumping off the bench after a momentum shift three-point play with 33 seconds remaining in the period that gave Women of Troy their first lead of the night at 35-34 sealing a 13-2 run.
“Like Laura’s getting more and more comfortable with what she’s really good at, what she’s supposed to do, right?” Coach Gottlieb said. “She’s a red shirt freshman…these are her first college games of extended minutes, so her growth has been really tremendous. Again, as I think the rest of the team has kind of come together and everyone’s feeling a little more comfortable. It then allows our fives to come in and really do their job.”
USC continued that momentum swing into the third quarter behind Senior Transfer Kara Dunn’s opening quarter three-pointer a play she has done frequent coming out of halftime to retake the lead and onward to take over the game.
Women of Troy scored 22 points again for the third quarter outscoring the Hoosiers by five for a 57-54 advantage.
Women of Troy caused more problems for Lady Hoosiers which had no answers for Davidson, Dunn and Kennedy Smith whom dropped back-to-back buckets in their new silver lining LeBron Next Gen shoes designed by their teammate JuJu Watkins, whose sat out this season after a torn ACL.
“Through the losses, we were able to figure out things within our team, build connections with each other on the floor and off the floor. And I think that’s been like the silver lining through this whole season,” Dunn said about finding silver lining as a team.
“I would add just on the silver lining thing for me,” coach Gottlieb said. “no one would have ever chosen for that kid to get hurt, right? Like but the growth in her speaking about JuJu has been phenomenal. And I do think there will be a time where she looks back and says, “Well, you know, no one wants an injury, but look at how much I’ve grown.” And for our team, right? The way that it’s put us in positions to grow and be about the right things this year…I’m really proud of the fact that as we’re figuring it out, we’re all getting better and growing and it’s cool to be a part of that even though you always choose wins, but if not, like this has been really neat to see it, you know, come together. And we’re not there yet, but that’s a silver lining for sure.”
Indiana found some silver lining as they never gave up and fought to the final buzzer, being led by Freshmen Maya Makalusky’s 29 points despite as a team committing 25 fouls for a league record and 19 turnovers.
Women of Troy shot 28-for-35 from the free throw line, a new season high and matched a season best with 44 second-half points. USC stole back this game, defending their home court like stealing candy from a baby including four steals from Junior Malia Samuels, a career high.
“We hold Malia to a really high standard. Like, we know what she’s capable of. We know who she is as a person. We know who she is as a player… We don’t let her slip and I thought she was on point tonight with distributing the ball, three assists, no turnovers. Like, obviously, she changes the game defensively,” coach Gottlieb said. “She got to the free throw line. I thought all around she just came in and did what we know she’s entirely capable of doing and did at a really high level.”
Davidson got much help from Samuels and her other vets—Dunn added 16 points and Smith 15 points while Williams led with nine boards.
Davidson filled out her stat line after reaching her fourth-straight 20-point performance to go along with six rebounds, three assists, three steals, two blocks and a career-high eight free throws made.
“She’s [ Davidson] unique. I know there’s like several good freshman in the country. We know how good she is. We see it every day. We think there’s no one better and to see now how it’s impacting winning and impacting her teammates and allowing everyone to be at their best,” Coach Gottlieb said. “It’s just she’s a really special player and her ability to impact the game in all ways.”
USC hosts Wisconsin next Thursday at the Galen Center on Thursday, February. 19 at 6 p.m. PT.
