As March approaches, the urgency intensifies for USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb. With the season veering off course due to the absence of superstar JuJu Watkins, sidelined by a torn knee ligament, the Trojans find themselves grappling with a record that stands surprisingly just above .500. This stark contrast to last year’s impressive 31-4 finish has placed immense pressure on the team to regain its footing.
The recent victory over No. 8 Iowa, a resounding 81-69 triumph that felt more one-sided than the score suggests, was a pivotal moment for USC. This win not only showcased their potential but also served as a much-needed confidence boost. Gottlieb, reflecting on the game, emphasized its significance: “This, right now, was really, really needed.” The Trojans had faced near misses against formidable opponents like Michigan State and Michigan, revealing their competitive spirit despite the setbacks.
Ranked No. 22 in the NET rankings prior to the Iowa game, USC’s strength of schedule has been a double-edged sword. While it has exposed their vulnerabilities—evidenced by a 4-7 record against ranked teams—it also presents opportunities for redemption. With upcoming matches against notable opponents such as Ohio State and UCLA, the Trojans are poised to bolster their resume further. The rematch against UCLA, particularly, carries weight as it follows a staggering 34-point loss at Pauley Pavilion, marking one of the low points of Gottlieb’s tenure.
Gottlieb remains optimistic about her team’s trajectory. “My expectation is that we’re at the top [of the standings] in the second half,” she stated, underscoring her belief in their potential. The team’s aspirations remain high, despite earlier adversities. The necessity of reclaiming a .500 standing in the Big Ten is paramount, especially as they approach a softer segment of their schedule against teams like Rutgers and Northwestern. However, for the Trojans, merely achieving mediocrity may not suffice; they need to position themselves favorably for Selection Sunday to avoid the pressure of relying on a Big Ten tournament victory for NCAA tournament entry.
Among the Trojans’ roster, Kara Dunn has emerged as a revelation, demonstrating remarkable performance since playing a full 40 minutes against Oregon. Her statistics—averaging 24.4 points and 6.9 rebounds over her last seven games—illustrate her pivotal role in the team’s offense. Dunn’s efficiency, reflected in her shooting percentages of 55.3% from the field and 41.4% from beyond the arc, has made her a critical asset as USC navigates the remainder of the season.
Conversely, the Trojans have struggled with disappointing losses, particularly in tight matchups. A string of narrow defeats—including a two-point loss to Notre Dame and a one-point loss to Minnesota—highlights a troubling trend that could derail their postseason aspirations. If the Trojans can convert even a few of these losses into wins, their outlook would shift dramatically.
A growing concern looms, however, with the health of sophomore forward Vivian Iwuchukwu, who suffered a serious leg injury during the Iowa game. Losing Iwuchukwu, the team’s top post player, could severely impact their frontcourt depth and overall performance. Her absence would be a significant blow at a time when the team can ill afford any further setbacks.
Looking ahead, the Trojans possess the talent necessary to advance beyond the first weekend of the NCAA tournament, but achieving this will require them to consistently deliver their best performances. With the pressure mounting and the stakes rising, the ability to string together victories against high-caliber opponents will be essential for USC to realize its postseason ambitions. As March Madness approaches, one thing is clear: the Trojans must harness their potential, overcome their challenges, and make a compelling case for their place in the tournament.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
