THE REAL USC SHOWDOWN: Who Will Lose The Debate as JuJu Watkins and Jazzy Davidson Stand Their Ground Against South Carolina?
The battle for USC bragging rights is about to move from words to the basketball court. No. 1 South Carolina and No. 3 Southern Cal are preparing for one of the most anticipated matchups of the early 2026–27 women’s college basketball season, and the discussion has already produced an entertaining exchange.
The question is simple: Which program deserves to be called the real USC?
For Southern Cal stars JuJu Watkins and Jazzy Davidson, the answer is obvious. But for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, the argument will ultimately be settled through performance, not abbreviations.
The matchup carries more significance than the playful disagreement over the USC name. It brings together two nationally ranked programs with championship ambitions, talented rosters and players capable of changing the direction of a game.
The USC debate: Watkins and Davidson bring confidence, but South Carolina has the recent edge
The exchange between the players captured the competitive spirit surrounding Sunday’s contest.
When asked what makes Southern California the real USC, freshman guard Jazzy Davidson responded:
“I mean, just look at our jerseys. I think theirs say South Carolina.”
JuJu Watkins backed up her teammate’s argument, adding:
“University of Southern California. It’s literally the name. Ours is the name.”
Watkins also made it clear that she understands the importance of the upcoming contest:
“Probably going to be one of the most exciting games throughout my career at SC, so I’ll put it down the calendar. They’re a great team, very well coached, so very excited.”
Those comments set the tone for a matchup between two programs that have plenty to prove.
But there is an important distinction: Southern Cal has the confidence and offensive firepower, while South Carolina enters with the advantage of recent head-to-head results and a proven defensive identity.
1. Southern Cal’s biggest weapon: JuJu Watkins is back
The return of Watkins changes the entire outlook of this matchup.
After missing the 2025–26 season while recovering from an ACL injury, the senior guard has returned with impressive production.
Through Southern Cal’s first three games, Watkins is averaging:
- 24.3 points per game
- 8.3 rebounds per game
- 4.7 assists per game
She has already demonstrated that she can influence games beyond scoring, contributing as a rebounder, playmaker and defender.
Her ability to create offense under pressure will be particularly important against a South Carolina defense that has made life difficult for opposing guards.
Southern Cal cannot depend on Watkins alone, however. She will need consistent contributions from Davidson and freshman Saniyah Hall.
2. Jazzy Davidson could be the difference-maker
Davidson is another player South Carolina cannot afford to overlook.
Her importance goes beyond the confidence she displayed during the USC exchange.
She gives Lindsay Gottlieb another versatile offensive option, with the ability to score, distribute and contribute defensively.
Against College of Charleston, Davidson recorded 24 points, demonstrating that she can deliver significant offensive production alongside Watkins.
Her playmaking will be particularly important because South Carolina can apply pressure to the ball and force opponents into difficult decisions.
Watch Davidson’s ability to attack defensive gaps and create opportunities for her teammates. If she and Watkins establish an effective partnership, the Trojans could make this a much closer contest than their previous meetings.
3. Why South Carolina remains the team to beat
Dawn Staley’s team has already shown why it deserves its No. 1 ranking.
South Carolina opened the season with a 101-93 victory over No. 20 Maryland, followed by an emphatic 84-39 win against No. 12 North Carolina.
The Gamecocks then defeated Clemson 65-44, extending their winning streak against their in-state opponent to 16 games.
Three performances reveal different strengths:
- Against Maryland: Joyce Edwards scored 23 points, while Agot Makeer added 20. South Carolina demonstrated its ability to win an offensive shootout.
- Against North Carolina: The Gamecocks held the Tar Heels to 39 points and forced 17 turnovers, demonstrating their defensive potential.
- Against Clemson: South Carolina limited the Tigers to 22.4% shooting and forced 21 turnovers despite experiencing offensive difficulties.
That last performance is particularly relevant.
Southern Cal averages more than 100 points per game, but South Carolina has demonstrated that it can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and make scoring difficult.
The players who could decide the game
Joyce Edwards
The forward is South Carolina’s leading scorer, averaging approximately 19 points per game. Her ability to attack the basket and contribute on the boards will test Southern Cal’s interior defense.
Chloe Kitts
Kitts has returned from injury and immediately provided experience, rebounding and offensive production. Her double-double against Clemson showed how important she can be.
Tessa Johnson
Johnson’s perimeter shooting could be decisive. South Carolina needs her to punish defensive attention directed toward Edwards and Kitts.
Ashlyn Watkins
Her rebounding, athleticism and defensive presence give Staley another important option around the basket.
4. Head-to-head history: South Carolina owns the advantage
The rivalry has not been particularly balanced on the basketball court.
The programs have met four times, and South Carolina has won all four contests.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| November 25, 2013 | South Carolina 70-50 |
| November 18, 2014 | South Carolina 70-61 |
| November 15, 2025 | South Carolina 69-52 |
| March 23, 2026 | South Carolina 101-61 |
The two most recent meetings are particularly important.
In November 2025, South Carolina defeated the Trojans 69-52 in Los Angeles. The Gamecocks controlled the rebounding battle 56-32 and scored 44 points in the paint.
They followed that performance with a 101-61 victory in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
However, there is one major difference this time: Watkins is back.
She missed both previous meetings while recovering from her injury. Her return gives Southern Cal a much more dangerous offensive weapon and a legitimate opportunity to challenge the Gamecocks.
5. The three matchups that could determine the winner
First: JuJu Watkins against South Carolina’s perimeter defense.
Watkins must find ways to score without allowing South Carolina to dictate the pace. If the Gamecocks force her into difficult shots and limit her playmaking, Southern Cal could struggle.
Second: Jazzy Davidson against South Carolina’s defensive pressure.
Davidson’s decision-making will be important. She must avoid unnecessary turnovers while using her versatility to create scoring opportunities.
Third: South Carolina’s size against Southern Cal’s interior defense.
This could be the most important matchup.
South Carolina has previously used its rebounding advantage and interior scoring to trouble the Trojans. If Kitts, Edwards and Ashlyn Watkins establish control around the basket, Southern Cal could find itself defending for long stretches.
On the other hand, if the Trojans keep the Gamecocks away from second-chance opportunities and maintain their offensive efficiency, they have a genuine chance to change the narrative.
6. Recent form: Which team has the momentum?
Both teams enter this contest unbeaten at 3-0, but their offensive approaches have been different.
| Category | South Carolina | Southern Cal |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 3-0 | 3-0 |
| AP ranking | No. 1 | No. 3 |
| Points per game | 83.3 | 107.7 |
| Identity | Defense, size, rebounding | Scoring, pace, versatility |
Southern Cal has scored at least 100 points in each of its first three games. Its 105-44 victory over College of Charleston was another demonstration of its offensive potential.
South Carolina, meanwhile, has already defeated two ranked opponents and demonstrated that it can win both high-scoring games and defensive battles. Big Ten Conference +2
That contrast makes Sunday’s matchup fascinating.
Southern Cal wants an offensive game. South Carolina would rather control the tempo, dominate the paint and make every possession difficult.
7. My prediction: Who wins The Real USC showdown?
This is where I give South Carolina the advantage.
Southern Cal has enough talent to win this game. Watkins is a proven scorer, Davidson brings versatility, and Saniyah Hall has quickly emerged as another dangerous offensive option.
However, I believe South Carolina has more ways to control the matchup.
Three factors influence my prediction:
- Defensive experience: Staley’s team has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to disrupt high-level opponents.
- Interior advantage: South Carolina’s combination of Kitts, Edwards and Watkins could create problems for Southern Cal around the basket.
- Recent history: The Gamecocks have won all four previous meetings, including two convincing victories over the Trojans in the past year.
The biggest concern for South Carolina is Watkins. If she gets comfortable early and Davidson establishes herself as a secondary playmaker, Southern Cal could put the Gamecocks under considerable pressure.
But I expect South Carolina’s defensive discipline and rebounding to become increasingly important as the game progresses.
My game prediction
South Carolina 78–70
Predicted winner: South Carolina Gamecocks
Prediction, not a confirmed result.
I expect a competitive first half before South Carolina creates separation through defensive pressure, rebounding and second-chance scoring.
8. Game information: The Real SC
No. 1 South Carolina
Gamecocks · Dawn Staley
VS
No. 3 Southern Cal
Trojans · Lindsay Gottlieb
- Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
- Time: 1:00 p.m. Eastern
- Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
- Television: ABC
- Stream: ESPN app and ESPN.com
Final word: The name debate will be settled on the court
Watkins and Davidson have made their position clear. They believe Southern California is the real USC, and they are not backing away from that identity.
But South Carolina has an opportunity to make another statement in front of its supporters.
For the Trojans, this is about proving that their explosive offense can succeed against one of the country’s most physically imposing teams.
For the Gamecocks, it is about defending their No. 1 status, protecting their home-state bragging rights and extending their winning record against Southern Cal.
The real question isn’t which university has the stronger claim to three letters. It is which team can execute when the pressure rises.
My pick is South Carolina, but I expect Watkins and Davidson to make the Trojans a serious challenge.
Sources for reporting and verification: Annenberg Media – USC matchup preview · Big Ten – Sunday Showdowns · USC official head-to-head history · South Carolina season statistics.
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