#17) USC Trojans takedown #6) NC State

Ally Tip-Off • Charlotte, NC

Jazzy Davidson’s late layup lifts No. 17 USC past No. 6 NC State, 69–68

Freshman scores 21 with the game-winner at 0:08; Trojans close on a 19–7 run.

By Major Movez Media Staff • Sunday, November 9, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jazzy Davidson poured in 21 points and hit the go-ahead layup with 8.2 seconds remaining as No. 17 Southern Cal edged No. 6 North Carolina State, 69–68, in the third-annual Ally Tip-Off.

Davidson’s winner capped a dominant second half for the USC freshman, who scored 18 after the break on 7-of-13 shooting. On the decisive play, she cut hard to the rim and snagged Kennedy Smith’s inbounds pass in stride for the finish.

“Cut, catch, finish.” Davidson’s game-winner with 0:08 left sealed a 19–7 closing stretch for the Trojans.

USC (2–0) also leaned on Londynn Jones (19 points) while Smith added 10 points and 8 rebounds. After Davidson’s bucket, Malia Samuels stripped NC State star Zoe Brooks on a last-ditch drive. The Wolfpack had one final sideline inbounds with under two seconds left, but Smith intercepted the pass to end it.

Brooks powered NC State (1–1) with a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double. Khamil Pierre matched a career high with 18 rebounds and scored 10.

Turning Point

NC State pushed ahead late in the third with an 8–0 burst, capped by a transition three from Zam Jones, and a Brooks free throw made it an 11-point game early in the fourth. From there, USC surged: a 19–7 finish highlighted by Davidson’s downhill attacks and timely defense flipped it.

Key Numbers

Points off Turnovers (USC)15

NC State Turnovers18

USC 2H Scoring — Davidson18

Box Score Highlights

• USC: Jazzy Davidson 21 (18 in 2H); Londynn Jones 19; Kennedy Smith 10 pts, 8 reb; Malia Samuels game-saving steal.
• NC State: Zoe Brooks 24 pts, 11 reb; Khamil Pierre 10 pts, 18 reb (career-high-tying boards); Zam Jones key 3PT in 3Q run.

What It Means

Without reigning National Player of the Year JuJu Watkins (season-ending knee surgery), USC is recalibrating its identity. Against a top-10 opponent, the trio of Davidson–Jones–Smith showed enough firepower and poise to close a tight game on a neutral floor.

Up Next: NC State hosts Maine on Tuesday in Raleigh.