Days removed from a close win against No. 20 Ole Miss in Paris, the Trojans returned to the Galen Center for the first time this season and dominated Cal Poly 90-35 in front of an energetic crowd that included Chiney Ogwumike, Saweetie and Trojan legend Cheryl Miller.
“[We] challenged our players to come out and play with a ton of energy and heart and show these fans what we think we can be this year,” head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “I thought we did that.”
Less than two minutes into the game, sophomore guard JuJu Watkins blocked a shot and sent it into the stands, setting the tone defensively in what ended up being a long night for the visiting Mustangs. The Trojans were air-tight on the defensive end, forcing 31 turnovers and holding the Mustangs to 33% shooting from the floor. After just one quarter, the Trojans’ dominance showed with a 34-point cushion that only expanded as the game went on.
Freshman guard Kayleigh Heckel was a crucial piece in the defense’s performance. In just her second collegiate game, Heckel recorded five steals to go along with 16 points off the bench. After the game she emphasized the team-wide philosophy that bolstered the defensive end.
“Everyone’s energy made our defense stronger,” Heckel said. “We always make defense a big part of our game…we don’t want to outscore a team by getting them by a couple points. We want to be able to hold them to less shots, to turn over the ball more.”
As part of a talented freshman class, Heckel brings an attitude that sets her up for success in her early opportunities this season.
“I just come in and just try and do whatever I can to help our team. Whether that’s passing, scoring — really doesn’t matter to me,” Heckel said. “As long as I’m helping the team get a win, that’s all that matters to me.”
Senior center Rayah Marshall was also focal to the dominant win with 15 points, including her first 3-pointer of the season. The total propelled Marshall into the 1,000-point club. It was a significant moment for Marshall and Gottlieb as the duo enter their fourth season together.
“Playing under Coach G has been everything for my career and it was a fun night,” Marshall said. “A lot of shots fell for me and it was fun.”
As one of the first players Gottlieb coached when arriving at USC, Gottlieb knows the importance Marshall has on the team now after seeing her develop into the veteran leader she is today.
“When you have someone for four years, you see the growth,” Gottlieb said. “We are where we are because she has grown and improved so much over these four years.”
Despite the win, questions around the team’s shooting efficiency remain — the Trojans shot just 21% from beyond the arc against Cal Poly. However, two games of inconsistent shooting does not undermine the confidence Gottlieb has in the squad.
“Obviously, there’s always things to get better at,” Gottlieb said. “We didn’t shoot the ball great today, and I know we have a team that can shoot the ball really well.”
Shooting concerns aside, the Trojans saw six players reach double figures in a game that can set the team on a path to even better play.
“I thought we stayed pretty consistent with our energy and effort, and that’s a good place to be,” Gottlieb said. “And we’ll continue to get better.”
Now back stateside, the Trojans stay home to host the CSUN Matadors on Tuesday, November 12.