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USC Defeats Clemson 71-67 in Overtime Thriller
Freshman Jazzy Davidson's late 3-pointer lifts Trojans to victory in NCAA Tournament opener
Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:19pm
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In a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup, the 9th-seeded USC Trojans defeated the 8th-seeded Clemson Tigers 71-67 in overtime. Freshman sensation Jazzy Davidson scored 31 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with just over a minute left in the extra period, to lift USC to victory. The game featured a controversial ending to regulation, as Clemson's Mia Moore appeared to hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer, but officials waved it off after reviewing the play.
Why it matters
This win is a major boost for the USC women's basketball program, which has reached the Elite Eight the past two seasons but played this year without star player JuJu Watkins due to injury. The Trojans now advance to face top-seeded South Carolina, setting up an intriguing second-round matchup. For Clemson, the loss ends their tournament run but the Tigers can be proud of their strong season and competitive performance against a talented USC squad.
The details
USC freshman Jazzy Davidson erupted for 31 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:03 left in overtime to lift the Trojans to victory. The game was tied at 64-64 at the end of regulation, but Clemson appeared to have won it when Mia Moore hit a running shot at the buzzer. However, officials reviewed the play and determined the shot clock had not properly started, waving off the basket. In the extra period, Davidson hit a clutch 3-pointer to put USC ahead, and the Trojans held on for the 71-67 win. Kara Dunn added 22 points for USC, while Clemson was led by Taylor Johnson-Matthews' 16 points and Raven Thompson's double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.
- The game was played on March 21, 2026.
- Regulation ended in a 64-64 tie, sending the game to overtime.
- Jazzy Davidson hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:03 left in overtime.
The players
Jazzy Davidson
A 6-foot-1 freshman who led USC in scoring at 17.6 points per game during the regular season.
Kara Dunn
A key contributor for USC, scoring 22 points in the victory.
Mia Moore
A Clemson player who appeared to hit a game-winning shot at the end of regulation, but it was waved off after review.
Taylor Johnson-Matthews
Clemson's leading scorer with 16 points in the loss.
Raven Thompson
Clemson's double-double machine, recording 11 points and 12 rebounds in the game.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The Trojans will face top-seeded South Carolina in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday.
The takeaway
This thrilling overtime victory showcases the talent and resilience of the USC women's basketball team, who have overcome key injuries to reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans' impressive win over Clemson sets up an intriguing matchup with powerhouse South Carolina, as USC looks to continue its tournament run.
