LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Maryland women’s basketball team used a strong defensive effort to defeat Southern California 62-55 at Galen Center on Thursday night. The Terrapins (17-2) held the Women of Troy (10-7) to 28.4% shooting from the floor and 15.6% from 3-point range. Southern California led 20-16 after the first quarter but was held to eight points in the second as Maryland took a 27-28 halftime lead it would not relinquish. Kara Dunn led all scorers with 21 points for Southern California. Maryland, which shot 22 for 26 from the free-throw line, was paced by Addi Mack’s 12 points. The Terrapins overcame 18 turnovers by limiting USC’s offensive efficiency. A crowd of 4,645 watched the nonconference game.

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed shots and forced turnovers, the Maryland Terrapins grinded out a 62-55 victory over the Southern California Women of Troy in a nonconference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Galen Center. The most important part of the game unfolded in the second quarter, when Maryland’s defense completely stifled the Women of Troy and established a lead they would never relinquish. After a high-scoring first quarter that ended with Southern California ahead 20-16, the Terrapins locked down, holding the home team to just eight points in the second period. Southern California’s offensive woes were stark, as they missed 14 of their 16 field goal attempts in the quarter, including all seven from three-point range. Meanwhile, Maryland, despite its own offensive inconsistencies, managed an 11-point quarter to take a 27-28 halftime lead. That defensive stand proved to be the foundation of the victory. Southern California, which shot a dismal 28.4% from the floor for the game and 15.6% from beyond the arc, could never fully recover. Maryland extended its lead to 46-42 by the end of the third quarter and maintained control throughout the final period, despite a game-high 21 points from Southern California’s Kara Dunn. The Terrapins were far from efficient offensively, committing 18 turnovers and recording only three assists as a team. They shot 39.1% from the field. However, they were markedly superior at the free-throw line, making 22 of 26 attempts, and won the possession battle by committing nine fewer turnovers than they forced. Maryland’s victory was a collective effort. Addi Mack led the Terrapins with 12 points, while Yarden Garzon and Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu each added 10. Ozzy-Momodu also contributed a critical block in the final minute to help seal the win. For Southern California, Jazzy Davidson joined Dunn in double figures with 12 points and five assists, but the team’s overall shooting performance was its undoing. The win improves No. 17-2 Maryland’s record, while Southern California falls to 10-7. The game, organized by the Big Ten, drew an attendance of 4,645. Maryland’s defense set the tone early in the second quarter and provided just enough cushion to withstand Southern California’s attempts to rally. The Women of Troy closed to within four points on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but each time Maryland answered, often from the free-throw line. A key sequence came with just over two minutes left when Ozzy-Momodu converted an offensive rebound into a putback, then Garzon hit a three-pointer on the next possession to push the lead back to nine and effectively end the threat. The Terrapins will continue their West Coast trip at UCLA on Saturday. Southern California will stay home to host Purdue on Sunday. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Southern California was projected with an 80.5% probability to win. The total score of 117 points fell well under the over/under line of 141.5.

Preview: No. 4 Maryland Terrapins at Southern California Women of Troy LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The fourth-ranked Maryland Terrapins look to rebound from a rare setback when they visit the Southern California Women of Troy in a nonconference women’s basketball showdown Thursday night at Galen Center. Maryland (16-2), whose only losses are by a combined six points, is coming off an 89-76 defeat to Ohio State on Sunday that snapped a three-game winning streak. The Terrapins’ high-powered offense, which averages 84.2 points per game, will be tested by a USC squad seeking a signature victory to bolster its postseason resume. The Women of Troy (10-6) have dropped three straight, including a heartbreaking 63-62 loss at Minnesota last Sunday. All three defeats in their current skid have come against ranked opponents, underscoring the challenge of their schedule. A marquee individual matchup will feature Maryland’s dynamic guard Oluchi Okananwa against USC’s versatile forward Jazzy Davidson. Okananwa is averaging 22.2 points over her last five games, including a 34-point outburst against Indiana on Jan. 4. She scored 27 in the loss to Ohio State. Davidson has been a consistent force for USC, averaging 17.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks over her last six contests. She posted 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the narrow loss to Minnesota. The Terrapins boast a balanced attack with four players averaging double figures, supported by Yarden Garzon (19 points vs. Ohio State) and Saylor Poffenbarger, who leads the nation in rebounds per game. USC will counter with Davidson and guard Kara Dunn, who scored a season-high 27 points against Minnesota. This contest begins a critical two-game West Coast swing for Maryland, which faces UCLA on Saturday. For Southern California, it’s the start of a brutal stretch where seven of its next nine opponents are currently ranked. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. PST Thursday. The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.