This Sunday, the USC Trojans will journey north for a neutral-site clash with the California Golden Bears at Chase Center, marking their 80th all-time encounter as former Pac-12 adversaries.
Viewing Information
Date: Sunday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. PT
Location: San Francisco, California | Chase Center
Television: ESPN
Radio Broadcast: USC Radio Network
Londynn Jones and Jazzy Davidson Steering USC’s Backcourt
Londynn Jones has just had her most commanding offensive outing this season. The junior scored a career-high 28 points against Cal Poly, hitting 11-of-16 from the floor while actively seeking her shot. Her 16 shots were the second-highest on the team, indicating her increasing confidence as a primary scorer.
This assertiveness aligns with Jones’ overall development this season. She is averaging 12.9 points per game, a career high and the second highest on the team, shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range, both personal bests. Although she didn’t register an assist in the match against the Mustangs, her scoring ability is evident.
Freshman Jazzy Davidson is also emerging as a cornerstone player. Davidson put up 17 points against Cal Poly, extending her streak to eight consecutive games scoring in double figures and tallying her 10th double-figure game in 11 outings. In addition, she notched nine rebounds, four assists, a career-best six steals, and achieved at least one block for the 11th straight game.
Together, Jones and Davidson are establishing themselves as one of the most dependable duos in the country, gaining momentum as they approach the conference play.
Lindsay Gottlieb’s Familiar Return
Sunday also marks a significant return for Trojans coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who previously held the role of head coach at California from 2011-2019 and led the team to the 2025 Big 10 Tournament Championship game and an Elite 8 appearance. Since her tenure at USC, Gottlieb has a record of 2-2 against the Golden Bears, including a 1-1 record in Bay Area matchups.
The venue adds significance to the occasion. Competing against California at Chase Center, the home of both the Golden State Warriors and Golden State Valkyries, enhances the experience for both squads and underscores the national prominence of the matchup. Earlier this week, California’s head coach Charmin Smith discussed the importance of playing a high-profile opponent like USC on such a grand stage early in the season.
“I’m thrilled that we’re playing at the Valkyries’ home turf,” Smith shared with The Daily Californian. “With the Valkyries’ successful debut season, making history by reaching the playoffs, there’s an exciting atmosphere, and we have players aspiring to be in the WNBA. This will be an incredible experience.”
It wouldn’t be surprising if there is a considerable turnout, including NBA stars like Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry and other notable athletes connected to the region, further elevating the prominence of the game. For Gottlieb and USC, this presents another opportunity to shine on a significant stage closely linked to her coaching heritage.
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Sakima Walker and Gisella Maul Making an Impact
California’s chances at an upset likely depend on their frontcourt, guided by senior forward Sakima Walker. The 6-foot-5 graduate student brings a combination of size and championship experience from her time at Rutgers and South Carolina, where she claimed a national title in 2023-24.
Walker ranks as Cal’s second-leading scorer with 10.8 points per game, contributing 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. She has recorded at least two blocks in nine of 12 games, achieving this feat in eight consecutive games, and stands second in the ACC with a total of 25 blocks. Her size creates a significant mismatch against USC’s relatively green forward lineup.
Junior guard Gisella Maul, coming off the bench, is enjoying a breakout season in rebounding. She recorded 10 boards in Cal’s loss at Stanford and has set numerous career highs this season, leading or tying for team high in rebounds in four games. While averaging just 5.5 points per game, she is the second-best rebounder on the team, averaging 5.5 per game.
The Bears’ ability to secure rebounds on both ends of the court could serve as a key factor in this matchup, making Sunday’s neutral-site encounter all the more challenging for the Trojans.
USC vs. Cal Prediction
The USC Trojans are predicted to win against the California Golden Bears at the Chase Center, 75-69.
