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Ducks Overcome 17-Point Halftime Deficit in Thrilling Big Ten Clash at Galen Center

Photo by USC Media Team

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In a heart-pounding Big Ten matchup on January 6, 2026, the USC Women of Troy appeared poised for a commanding victory after building a 37-21 halftime lead over the Oregon Ducks. However, Oregon mounted a ferocious second-half rally, outscoring USC 50-29 to secure a 71-66 comeback win. Kara Dunn led USC with 21 points and 9 rebounds, but the Trojans’ offense stalled in the fourth quarter, where they managed just 8 points on 2-of-15 shooting. For Oregon, Ehis Etute delivered a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, powering the Ducks’ surge. Both teams now stand at 2-2 in conference play, with USC dropping to 10-5 overall and Oregon improving to 14-3. The game highlighted USC’s early dominance but exposed vulnerabilities in closing out leads against resilient opponents. The win for Oregon propels them back into the thick of the Big Ten race, boosting their confidence after a shaky start in conference play (Now 2-2). Overcoming a massive deficit showcases their resilience and depth, potentially signaling a turning point for a team with national tournament aspirations.

Game Flow

USC started hot, dictating the pace with strong defense and efficient scoring, but Oregon flipped the script in the second half with aggressive play and timely shooting.

• First Quarter: USC jumped out to a 23-9 lead, shooting 9-of-17 (53%) while holding Oregon to just 4-of-17 (24%). The Trojans capitalized on Oregon’s turnovers and dominated the glass early, with Kara Dunn and Jazzy Davidson combining for 12 points. Oregon struggled from the field, missing several open looks.
• Second Quarter: The Trojans extended their advantage to 37-21 at halftime, outscoring the Ducks 14-12. USC’s defense forced tough shots, but Oregon showed signs of life with contributions from Katie Fiso and Mia Jacobs. USC’s bench, including Laura Williams, provided key rebounds to maintain control.
• Third Quarter: Oregon began their comeback, outscoring USC 24-21 to cut the deficit to 58-45. The Ducks hit 9-of-15 shots (60%), including three 3-pointers, while USC cooled off slightly at 7-of-18 (39%). Key moments included back-to-back threes from Ari Long and Sofia Bell for Oregon, but Dunn’s 7 points kept USC ahead.
• Fourth Quarter: Oregon dominated 26-8, shooting 9-of-16 (56%) and holding USC to 2-of-15 (13%). The Ducks’ pressure defense forced 4 turnovers, and Etute’s inside presence sealed the deal with crucial layups and free throws. USC’s offense went ice-cold, missing their final 10 shots as Oregon completed the shocking reversal.

Clutch Performances & Key Moments

• Kara Dunn (USC): The standout for the Trojans with 21 points (7-18 FG, 2-8 3PT), 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. Her mid-range jumpers and drives kept USC in front for most of the game, but she couldn’t stem the tide in the fourth.
• Jazzy Davidson (USC): Double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, plus 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Her all-around effort was crucial early, but her 2-8 from three slightly limited that impact.

• Ehis Etute (Oregon): A game-changer with 17 points and 13 rebounds (7 offensive), plus 2 blocks and 2 steals. Her dominance on the boards fueled Oregon’s second-chance points in the comeback.
• Katie Fiso (Oregon): 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Her playmaking sparked the rally, including a key pull-up jumper in the fourth to give Oregon their first lead.

Key Moments: USC’s 17-point lead at 37-20 late in the second; Oregon’s 12-0 run to open the fourth, capped by Long’s three-pointer to take a 57-58 lead; Etute’s and-one layup with 2:30 left to extend Oregon’s advantage to 68-64, effectively icing the game.

What This Loss Means

For USC, the loss stings as a missed opportunity to build momentum, dropping them to .500 in the Big Ten and highlighting the need for better late-game execution against top competition. In the broader conference landscape, it underscores the parity in the expanded Big Ten, where no lead is safe.

What to Watch

USC’s fourth-quarter collapse raises questions about their stamina and adjustments under pressure—I listen to how Coach Lindsay Gottlieb addresses closing lineups and defensive schemes. Dunn and Davidson’s partnership will be key to rebounding. Sophomore Guard Kennedy Smith was out with a lower leg injury sustained in the UCLA matchup on January 3rd. If she is out for an extended period of time, this could have a significant impact on the team’s overall offensive execution and defensive fight. 

Up Next for USC

The Trojans head on the road to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET in Williams Arena. This matchup offers USC a chance to regroup and secure a bounce-back win against a fellow Big Ten foe.

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— Kris Chaney, Director of Sports Content, Courtside REEL