In the first game of its kind, No. 2 South Carolina (4-0) women’s basketball faced off against No. 8 USC (2-1) in a highly anticipated showdown at Crypto.com Arena. The Gamecocks demonstrated their dominance and remained undefeated against the Trojans in a 69-52 win in downtown Los Angeles.
“We got the title until we play them again next year,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said. “We’re gonna wear that title with pride, so we are yes, the real USC.”
“Obviously we’re not yet where we need to be, but I think this game will really help us get there in an expedited fashion,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said.
The stars were out at the Arena Saturday night, from USC legend Cheryl Miller to South Carolina alumna and 3x WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston.
South Carolina raced out to a quick 11-4 lead, bolstered by five straight opening points courtesy of senior guard Raven Johnson. Johnson was electric for the Gamecocks early, recording eight of South Carolina’s 20 first-quarter points.
“When I just think about winning, good things happen,” Johnson said.
USC’s offense eventually came alive behind strong play from sophomore forward Vivian Iwuchukwu and senior guard Kara Dunn. With freshman guard Jazzy Davidson limited early by foul trouble, it was seven early points from Dunn and an offensive burst from Iwuchukwu – scoring five of seven USC points in a 90-second span – that kept things close.
The Trojans went on a 10-4 run to tie things up 26-26 in the second quarter and took their first lead up 28-27 on a driving layup from junior guard Malia Samuels. After a quick burst from the Gamecocks, it was a Samuels buzzer beater that kept USC within two to end the first half.
With both teams shooting under 35% from the floor in the first, the second half was an opportunity for either side to take control. Senior guard Ta’Niya Latson came out hot with four quick points to widen South Carolina’s lead, but was countered by driving scores from USC sophomore guard Kennedy Smith.
Still, the Gamecocks were able to build their lead up to 11 halfway through the third, and it seemed USC might have no counter. A 3-pointer from junior guard Tessa Johnson made her the third Gamecock (behind Johnson and sophomore forward Joyce Edwards) in double figures and helped keep the Trojans at bay.
USC had no answer for Edwards, who ended the game leading all scorers with 17 points and notching a double-double with 10 rebounds.
“She is a total crash-out on both sides of the ball, and I mean that in the most affectionate way,” Staley said.
Johnson also recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Trojans carried a 10-point deficit into the fourth quarter and couldn’t find a consistent offensive rhythm despite the hot hand from Smith. USC finished the game shooting 32.8% from the floor; Iwuchukwu was the only player to shoot over 50% from the field for the game.
“This is a team that can run and create some mismatches for people,” Gottlieb said of South Carolina. “I don’t think [the issue] was pace. I think it was lack of ability to put the ball in the basket.”
The Trojans’ rhythm was majorly impacted by South Carolina’s offensive rebounding prowess. The Gamecocks recorded 15 second chance points on 21 offensive rebounds compared to seven and 10 for USC.
“Boxing out by committee,” Dunn said when asked about resolving rebounding issues. “We need to do it as a team and not leave someone else by themselves.”
Beyond the action on the court, the game marked a notable juncture in the women’s college basketball landscape. This kind of investment in women’s college hoops – marquee matchups on big time stages – has been building for years, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
On Wednesday, Gottlieb announced the signing of guard Saniyah Hall, the third No. 1 recruit to choose USC in the last four years. The Trojans also signed Sitaya Fagin, a five-star recruit from Australia.
USC women’s basketball is designed to be a powerhouse next season. What remains to be seen is the identity this year’s team will form in the absence of star junior guard JuJu Watkins.
Coach Staley knows one thing for certain.
“Today,” she said. “Women’s basketball won.”
USC returns to Galen Center to host Portland on Tuesday before traveling to South Bend to face No. 18 Notre Dame on Friday. The second ‘The Real SC’ game will take place on Nov. 15, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.