The two-time National Champions delivered a resounding message to the Big Ten Conference on Sunday afternoon with a commanding 88-30 win over the Elon Phoenix.
Fans patiently waited outside the Galen Center during a brief power outage that delayed the game’s start. Once the power was restored, the Trojans took the court and displayed their dominance. Forward-center Rayah Marshall, standing at an impressive 6’4”, electrified the crowd as she led the team in a spectacular performance. A Los Angeles native, the presence and skill of Marchall were pivotal as the Trojans surged to victory.
From the opening whistle, the Trojans overwhelmed the Phoenix. USC established their power early with a 23-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, they had doubled their advantage, leaving Elon struggling to recover. Strong defensive plays made it nearly impossible for the Phoenix to penetrate beyond the arc, forcing numerous turnovers and errors.
“The key to our success today was our transition game,” said Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “When you turn a team over 25 times, you’re going to excel on both ends of the court.”
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Grad student Guard Talia von Oelhoffen reflected on the strong defensive performance of USC following the win, crediting her fellow guards for their ability to pressure the ball and disrupt the opposing offense.
“They’re obviously great guards, and we know what’s coming,” von Oelhoffen said when asked about how the game prepares them for facing the highly regarded backcourt of Connecticut. “Building that confidence and ball pressure shows what we’re capable of. Especially with (guard Malia Samuels) and (guard Kayleigh Heckel’s) defensive intensity, it makes everyone else’s job easier.”
The crowd roared with excitement as the USC band, auxiliary teams, and cheerleaders kept spirits high, chanting “Go SC” and “Let’s go Trojans” in perfect unison.
With a three-game home winning streak and a stellar 10-1 record, the Trojans are confidently paving the way toward a potential third national championship. Their performance against Elon showcased their strength, skill, and determination to remain a force to be reckoned with.
