### USC Women's Basketball Faces Tough Loss Against Minnesota, Marking Third Straight Defeat The No. 21 USC women's basketball team suffered a narrow defeat against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, losing 63-62 on January 11, 2026. This loss marks USC's third consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their performance as they struggle to maintain their ranking. The game was characterized by critical turnovers, particularly in the fourth quarter, where USC committed seven turnovers that allowed Minnesota to capitalize and score eight points. Jazzy Davidson led USC with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Grace Grocholski shone for Minnesota, scoring 25 points, contributing significantly to their victory and marking the Gophers' first win over a ranked team since 2019 [https://www.ocregister.com/2026/01/11/grocholski-scores-25-points-minnesota-women-edge-no-21-usc-63-62, https://www.dailynews.com/2026/01/11/grocholski-scores-25-points-minnesota-women-edge-no-21-usc-63-62, https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/grocholski-scores-25-points-minnesota-women-edge-no-21-usc-63-62]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview**: - USC faced Minnesota in a tightly contested match that ended in a 63-62 loss. - This defeat marks USC's third consecutive loss, raising questions about their current form. 2. **Critical Moments**: - USC's seven turnovers in the fourth quarter were pivotal, allowing Minnesota to score crucial points. - Jazzy Davidson's performance was notable, scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds. 3. **Player Highlights**: - Grace Grocholski led Minnesota with 25 points, showcasing her scoring ability. - Kara Dunn from USC scored 27 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, but her efforts were not enough to secure a win. 4. **Historical Context**: - This victory for Minnesota is significant as it marks their first win over a ranked opponent since 2019, highlighting a potential turning point for the program [https://gophersports.com/news/2026/1/11/womens-basketball-minnesota-rallies-from-second-half-deficit-to-defeat-usc-63-62, https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2026-01-11/usc-womens-basketball-minnesota-recap]. ### Statistical Insights and Performance Metrics - **Final Score**: Minnesota 63, USC 62 - **Turnovers**: USC committed 7 turnovers in the fourth quarter. - **Key Players**: - **USC**: Jazzy Davidson (21 points, 8 rebounds), Kara Dunn (27 points). - **Minnesota**: Grace Grocholski (25 points). - **Significance**: This game represents Minnesota's first victory over a ranked team since 2019, indicating a potential resurgence for the program [https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-golden-gophers-southern-california-trojans-minnesota-college-sports-college-basketball-9691650c14c7455f91ce2e8f6b13efa4]. ### Conclusion: Analyzing the Implications of the Loss **USC's Struggles**: The Trojans are now on a three-game losing streak, raising concerns about their ability to compete at a high level. 1. **Turnover Issues**: The seven turnovers in the fourth quarter were critical and need to be addressed to improve future performances. 2. **Player Contributions**: Despite strong individual performances from Davidson and Dunn, the team needs to find a way to convert these efforts into wins. 3. **Minnesota's Momentum**: This victory could serve as a catalyst for Minnesota, potentially boosting their confidence and performance in upcoming games. In summary, the loss to Minnesota highlights significant challenges for USC, while also marking a potential turning point for the Golden Gophers as they seek to build on this success [https://www.ocregister.com/2026/01/11/grocholski-scores-25-points-minnesota-women-edge-no-21-usc-63-62, https://www.dailynews.com/2026/01/11/grocholski-scores-25-points-minnesota-women-edge-no-21-usc-63-62].