Ducks Face New Challenge Against Ranked Big Ten Rival
The Oregon women’s basketball team is set to face a crucial matchup against No. 21 USC on January 6 at 7 p.m. This game marks their third contest against a top-25 opponent in the early rounds of their Big Ten schedule. With a record of 13-3 and a recent win against Northwestern, the Ducks are looking to improve their standings after a challenging start with one conference victory.
Ducks vs. Ranked Big Ten Rival
Oregon’s last game resulted in an impressive 87-54 win over Northwestern, showcasing the team’s depth with contributions from ten players. Katie Fiso led the Ducks with 17 points, while Mia Jacobs and Sarah Rambus added 16 and 12 points, respectively. This victory marked Oregon’s first conference win of the season.
In contrast, USC comes into the game after suffering an 80-46 defeat to rival UCLA, making this match even more critical for both teams. The rivalry between Oregon and USC, dating back to 1981, sees USC leading the all-time series 49-30. The Trojans have also won four consecutive matchups, adding extra pressure on the Ducks to secure a victory.
Game Details
- Matchup: Oregon (13-3, 1-2) vs. USC (10-4, 2-1)
- Date: January 6, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Broadcast: Big Ten Network
Why This Match Matters
A win against USC would elevate Oregon to a 2-2 record in the Big Ten and provide a much-needed momentum boost. Additionally, it would end the four-game road losing streak against conference opponents, marking their first victory over a ranked team this season. Oregon last defeated a top-25 team on the road against then-No. 16 Michigan State in January 2025.
On the offensive side, the Ducks have been consistent, scoring above 80 points in nine of their first 15 games. Their scoring average of 78.7 points per game ranks them 36th nationally and 9th in the Big Ten. The team’s success is built on a well-balanced scoring strategy, with multiple players contributing significantly.
Players to Watch
- Katie Fiso: Averaging 19.0 points per game against ranked opponents.
- Mia Jacobs: Scoring 14.5 points per game and crucial in rebounding.
- Ehis Etute: Emerging as a key player with strong performances recently.
- Sofia Bell: Contributing both offensively and defensively with steals and blocking.
This match against USC will be pivotal as the Ducks aim to solidify their presence in the Big Ten and demonstrate their capability against ranked teams. A strong performance could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
