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Jazzy Davidson has strong debut as USC women rout New Mexico State
Alright, let's break down what we just witnessed at the Galen Center, because if you missed Jazzy Davidson's collegiate debut for the USC women's basketball team, you missed a masterclass in how a top-tier recruit shakes off the jitters and takes over a game. Look, we've all been there—the first day on the job, the first big presentation—and for a freshman like Davidson, the pressure was sky-high.She came in as the No. 1 high school recruit in the nation, the kind of player you build programs around, and the buzz was real.But man, the start was rough. She turned it over a couple times, clanked a three, got called for a travel, and missed another jumper right before the first-quarter buzzer.It was one of those 'welcome to college' moments where you're wondering if the hype might be too much. Then, early in the second quarter, Gerda Raulusaityte—shoutout to her for the heads-up play—grabbed a board and hit Davidson in transition.That's when it clicked: Davidson took it to the rim, laid it in over a defender, and just like that, the floodgates opened. She finished with 14 points, five boards, four dimes, a block, and a steal in USC's 87-48 demolition of New Mexico State.But let's not just focus on the stats; this was about rhythm and resilience. Her best sequence came in the third quarter: she came off a screen, dribbled baseline, spun between two defenders, and dropped a soft jumper from the wing.On the very next possession, she did it again, pirouetting into the paint for an easy two. Later, when the Aggies doubled her at the elbow, she didn't force it—she found Kara Dunn wide open in the corner for a swished three that pushed the lead to 30.That's basketball IQ, folks. It's the kind of stuff that makes you think about how USC, even without JuJu Watkins, is stacking talent.Londynn Jones, the UCLA transfer, led with 16 points, showing this team has depth and firepower. Dunn added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Kennedy Smith chipped in 11.But Davidson's debut? It's a statement. In today's game, where freshmen are expected to contribute immediately, she showed that it's not about a perfect start—it's about adapting and dominating.Think about the greats: Magic Johnson had his moments of flair, Kobe Bryant had that killer instinct from day one. Davidson's spin moves and vision remind you of that blend of finesse and force.And let's be real, in the broader context of women's college basketball, where programs like UConn and South Carolina have set the bar, USC is building something special here. With Davidson in the mix, they're not just aiming for wins; they're eyeing a deep NCAA run.So, if you're a Trojans fan, buckle up. This is just the beginning, and if Tuesday night was any indication, Jazzy Davidson is going to be a problem for opponents all season long.The energy in that arena? Electric. The future? Bright. And for anyone sleeping on USC, well, you've been warned.
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