The Round of 64 in the Women’s NCAA Tournament brought excitement and anticipation as UNC Greensboro squared off against the USC Trojans in a matchup that promised high energy and competitive basketball. For USC, the stakes were clear: a strong performance to secure their place in the next round of the tournament. For UNC Greensboro, this game was an opportunity to showcase their grit and determination as they faced a powerhouse in USC.

A Tale of Two Teams

The USC Trojans, led by head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, entered the game as the heavy favorites, with a well-rounded roster that boasted the talent of UCLA transfer and seasoned guard, Jordan Sanders, alongside forward Kadiatou Sissoko, a dominant force in the post. USC’s game plan relied on their defensive versatility, depth, and up-tempo offense, which allowed them to overwhelm opponents.

On the other side, UNC Greensboro came into this game with a chip on their shoulder. Despite not being as widely recognized on the national stage, the Spartans proved themselves to be a resilient team in the Southern Conference (SoCon), with Alyssa Dunn and Sophia Knowles leading the charge. UNC Greensboro’s defense had been their backbone all season, and they were determined to prove that they could hang with the best.

USC’s Fast-Paced Start

From the moment the game began, USC made its presence felt. The Trojans came out aggressive, pushing the tempo and forcing turnovers that led to easy fast-break points. Jordan Sanders made an immediate impact, hitting a couple of quick three-pointers to set the tone. The Trojans’ defense, known for being swarming and suffocating, caused UNC Greensboro to struggle with their ball movement early on.

With Kadiatou Sissoko controlling the paint and UConn transfer, Camille Williams, making plays from the perimeter, USC quickly built a solid lead in the first quarter. The Trojans’ ability to score in transition and play lockdown defense left the Spartans scrambling to find answers.

UNC Greensboro’s Defensive Stand

While the scoreline seemed to be slipping away, UNC Greensboro refused to roll over. The Spartans huddled up and went to work on the defensive end, stifling USC’s offensive flow. They started to take advantage of USC’s turnovers, executing in half-court sets and slowing the pace to find more open looks. Alyssa Dunn was a key player for the Spartans in the first half, taking on the responsibility of driving to the basket and finishing through contact.

On defense, UNC Greensboro’s team defense began to frustrate USC’s shooters, contesting every shot and forcing the Trojans to take tough, contested attempts. The Spartans’ defensive intensity allowed them to close the gap a little, as they ended the first half with a renewed sense of confidence, despite trailing 38-28.

Second Half Surge by USC

Coming out of the halftime break, it was clear that USC wasn’t going to take their foot off the gas. The Trojans ramped up their defensive pressure, forcing more turnovers from the Spartans and converting them into fast-break points. Jordan Sanders continued to lead the charge with her scoring, while Kadiatou Sissoko dominated the boards and kept the interior game locked down.

USC’s defense was suffocating—Sophia Knowles, a standout for the Spartans, was limited to just a few looks early in the second half, and UNC Greensboro struggled to generate consistent offense against USC’s athleticism. The Trojans continued to control the pace, with their ability to push the ball down the floor quickly and find open shooters in transition proving to be too much for the Spartans to handle.

A Late Push from UNC Greensboro

Despite being down by as much as 20 points in the second half, UNC Greensboro refused to quit. The Spartans started to make some shots from beyond the arc, with Alyssa Dunn and Sophia Knowles each hitting key three-pointers to give the team some momentum. They also locked down on defense, making USC work for every point. The Trojans’ offense began to stall a bit under the defensive pressure, and for a brief moment, it looked like the Spartans might make a serious run.

However, USC’s experience and depth proved to be the difference. Kadiatou Sissoko came up with timely rebounds and putbacks, while Jordan Sanders continued to score at crucial moments. The Trojans’ composure down the stretch kept them in control, preventing UNC Greensboro from making the kind of dramatic comeback that could turn the game on its head.

USC Holds On for the Win

In the end, USC emerged victorious with a 72-58 win, advancing to the next round of the tournament. While the Trojans were able to maintain a comfortable lead throughout most of the game, UNC Greensboro’s effort and determination were apparent, especially in the second half. The Spartans fought hard and never backed down, and their resilience was something to be proud of.

Key Takeaways from the Game:

USC’s Depth and Defense: USC showed why they are considered one of the top teams in the tournament, with a well-rounded performance that combined stifling defense and offensive execution. Jordan Sanders’s scoring and Kadiatou Sissoko’s dominance in the paint were standout factors in securing the win.

UNC Greensboro’s Heart: Despite being outmatched on paper, UNC Greensboro fought tooth and nail throughout the game. Their defense was solid, and they showed flashes of offensive brilliance, especially from Alyssa Dunn and Sophia Knowles, who never gave up despite the odds.

USC’s Experience Prevails: The Trojans’ experience in high-pressure games played a big role in maintaining control throughout the contest. Their ability to execute in crunch time and stay poised under pressure was critical in finishing out the game.

The Fight of UNC Greensboro: While they came up short, the Spartans demonstrated they belong on the big stage. Their defensive effort and never-say-die attitude will serve as a strong foundation for their future.

Conclusion

The Round of 64 game between UNC Greensboro and USC was a tale of contrasting styles, with the Trojans’ depth and athleticism ultimately proving to be the difference. USC’s impressive defensive effort and timely scoring from Jordan Sanders and Kadiatou Sissoko helped them secure a comfortable win. However, UNC Greensboro’s relentless play and team-oriented defense showed they have the makings of a team to watch in future tournaments.

USC moves on to the next round, where they will face an even tougher challenge, but they can take confidence in their performance against a resilient UNC Greensboro team that refused to back down.