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The USC ladies’s basketball workforce ended a four-game dropping streak by dominating Purdue 83-57 at Galen Heart on Sunday.
The Trojans’ capacity to power 21 turnovers helped gas their decisive transition offense.
“We turned them over a bunch, which all the time helps us to play in transition. I believe we’re extremely good at transition,” coach Lindsay Gottlieb mentioned. “I did suppose there was a pop of their step, only a acutely aware effort to sort of push tempo and push tempo.”
USC guard Kennedy Smith returned to the courtroom after lacking three video games whereas recovering from a decrease leg harm.
“Having Ken again on the courtroom is a large blessing,” senior guard Kara Dunn mentioned. “We like to have her simply because despite the fact that she’s a sophomore, Ken‘s mainly a vet. She is aware of what she’s doing on the defensive finish, on the offensive finish — it makes every part simply a lot simpler. So simply having her again means lots for us.”
The Trojans (11-7, 3-4 Large Ten) constructed early offensive momentum and opened up a 10-point lead towards Purdue (10-8, 2-5), setting a robust tone throughout the first quarter.
USC maintained management by scoring 9 factors to start out the second quarter earlier than a foul on Vivian Iwuchukwu despatched Purdue ahead Lana McCarthy to the free-throw line, the place she recorded the Boilermakers’ first factors of the interval.
The Trojans responded with a three-pointer from Dunn, persevering with to use strain on the offensive finish.
“We had been simply looking the absolute best offense,” Gottlieb mentioned. “I assumed we ran units nicely when it was time to run units and I assumed we performed in circulate nicely tonight and I’m anticipating that to proceed to get higher because the season goes.”
Dunn mentioned she has embraced a extra aggressive scoring mindset.
“Taking extra shot makes an attempt normally isn’t something I’m unfamiliar with,” Dunn mentioned. “I believe that’s in all probability a mindset I ought to have had sooner. I’m grateful to have the ability to step up on this place and I actually hope that I hold it going all through the season.”
Though Purdue discovered a rhythm and lower into the deficit, the Boilermakers had been unable to take the lead, and the Trojans entered halftime with a commanding 42–27 benefit.
USC’s offense remained constant all through the second half, changing scoring alternatives and following via on photographs because the Trojans maintained management of the sport.
Dunn delivered a standout efficiency with a season-high 29 factors and 5 rebounds. Jazzy Davidson was restricted to 3 factors within the first half, however the freshman star discovered her rhythm after halftime and completed with 13 factors and 6 assists.
Londynn Jones added 15 factors, and Iwuchukwu contributed seven factors and 4 rebounds.
Purdue guard Tara Daye led the Boilermakers with 21 factors and 10 rebounds. Kiki Smith added 15 factors, whereas Avery Gordon completed with 10 factors and 6 rebounds.
USC will attempt to construct on its win throughout a grueling Large Ten stretch, with video games Thursday at No. 15 Michigan State, Sunday at No. 8 Michigan and Jan. 29 at residence towards No. 11 Iowa.
“Profitable is all the time extra enjoyable, however we’re going to maintain the foot on the fuel. It’s virtually simpler to push them just a little bit once you’re not as anxious about it,” Gottlieb mentioned of profitable. “I needed to strike a steadiness with what’s our commonplace, what’s acceptable, but in addition to know we actually can do it. So I believe the temper is extra enjoyable … however I believe they’re going to be extremely motivated to do what we’re able to doing going ahead.”
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