USC Trojans Face Steep Odds Against No. 1 Seed South Carolina in NCAA Tournament

Trojans look to pull off upset after narrow first-round win over Clemson

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:50pm

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The USC Trojans women's basketball team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a hard-fought overtime victory against Clemson, 71-67. However, their next challenge is significantly steeper: a matchup against the No. 1 seed, South Carolina Gamecocks, on Monday, March 23. South Carolina is a massive 22.5-point favorite, highlighting the disparity in expectations between the two teams.

Why it matters

This game represents a significant test for the USC Trojans, who are looking to continue their tournament run against one of the top teams in the country. A win over the heavily favored Gamecocks would be a major upset and boost the Trojans' chances of advancing further in the tournament.

The details

USC's first-round win was fueled by a stellar performance from Jazzy Davidson, who scored 31 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out five assists. However, the Trojans received minimal contribution from their bench, with only two points coming from reserves. Against a deep and talented South Carolina team, a more balanced scoring effort will be crucial. South Carolina boasts a 32-3 record and has consistently demonstrated its strength throughout the season, cruising past Southern in the first round with a dominant 103-34 victory.

  • The game is on Monday, March 23, at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
  • South Carolina previously defeated the Trojans 69-52 on November 15.

The players

Jazzy Davidson

A standout performer for the USC Trojans, scoring 31 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out five assists in the first-round win over Clemson.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, who has built a program known for its size, balanced offense, and stifling defense.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the challenges facing the USC Trojans as they look to pull off a major upset against the dominant South Carolina Gamecocks. While the Trojans have shown resilience and a willingness to compete, South Carolina's overall strength and depth present a significant hurdle that will require a strong team effort and balanced scoring to overcome.