USC's Jazzy Davidson Vows Improvement After Season-Ending Loss

Freshman star reflects on growth, looks ahead to next season after Trojans' blowout defeat to South Carolina

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:43am

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USC Trojans freshman guard Jazzy Davidson went from making NCAA Tournament history to facing a harsh reality in less than 48 hours. After powering USC past the Clemson Tigers with a record-setting performance, the freshman star and the Trojans were overwhelmed by No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks in a 101-61 loss, ending their season in the Round of 32 one year after an Elite Eight run. Despite a dynamic and historic freshman campaign, Davidson was blunt about where her development must go from here, emphasizing growth as the foundation for what comes next.

Why it matters

Davidson's breakout freshman season put her on the national stage, but the lopsided loss to South Carolina exposed areas for improvement as she looks to elevate USC into championship contention. The Trojans' long-term outlook remains strong with a top recruiting class coming in, but this defeat showed the gap they still need to close to reach elite status.

The details

From the opening tip, South Carolina imposed its will, attacking USC's interior defense early and controlling the glass. The Gamecocks finished with 60 points in the paint and forced the Trojans into 27 turnovers, which they converted into 29 points. A 16-0 run late in the first half turned a competitive stretch into a 51-21 halftime deficit, effectively ending the game before the break. Davidson, coming off a historic 31-point performance against Clemson, was limited to 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting while battling foul trouble.

  • On Monday, March 23, 2026, USC lost to South Carolina 101-61 in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Round of 32.

The players

Jazzy Davidson

A USC Trojans freshman guard who had a breakout season, leading the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

Joyce Edwards

A South Carolina Gamecocks forward who scored 9 of the team's first 11 points and finished with a double-double.

Madina Okot

A South Carolina Gamecocks center who had a 15-point, 15-rebound performance.

Londynn Jones

A USC Trojans senior guard who led the team with 20 points in the loss.

JuJu Watkins

A USC Trojans star guard who missed this season due to a torn ACL but is expected to return next year, accelerating the Trojans' timeline back to contention.

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What they’re saying

“I need to get better. That's kind of the bottom line. I think obviously it's hard to lose in general, but losing this way really sucks. I think I could've done a lot better for my team today.”

— Jazzy Davidson, USC Trojans Freshman Guard

“I've grown so much not only as a player but as a human being. I'm really excited for the offseason, get back in the gym, get better and I'm excited to come back next season.”

— Jazzy Davidson, USC Trojans Freshman Guard

What’s next

The Trojans are assembling one of the nation's top recruiting classes, highlighted by five-star forward Sara Okeke joining an already loaded group that includes five-star guard Saniyah Hall and international talent Sitaya Fagan. Pair that incoming talent with returning contributors like star guard JuJu Watkins, Davidson, and a returning guard in Kennedy Smith, and the foundation is clear for USC to make a potential Final Four run next season.

The takeaway

This lopsided loss to South Carolina exposed areas for improvement for Jazzy Davidson and the Trojans, but their long-term outlook remains strong. Davidson's blunt assessment of her own performance and commitment to growth in the offseason shows the mindset of a player poised to lead USC back to championship contention, especially with an elite recruiting class and the return of star guard JuJu Watkins on the horizon.