Preview: Ohio State Hosts Southern California in Key Non-Conference Clash COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — A surging Southern California team will face a slumping but highly-ranked Ohio State squad in a high-profile non-conference women’s basketball matchup Sunday at Value City Arena. The Women of Troy (17-9) enter on a six-game winning streak, their longest of the season, and have won eight of their last nine. They are coming off a 66-59 home victory over Wisconsin on Thursday. Meanwhile, the 12th-ranked Buckeyes (21-5) have lost two straight and three of their last five, including a 74-61 road loss to Minnesota on Wednesday. The game, organized by the Big Ten, pits two of the nation’s top guards against each other. USC is led by sophomore sensation Jazzy Davidson, who has been instrumental during the team’s hot streak. Over her last seven games, Davidson is averaging 20.4 points, 5.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds. She scored 24 points with six assists in the win over Wisconsin. Ohio State counters with senior guard Chance Gray, a steady force who has averaged 15.6 points over the same seven-game span. She scored 17 in the loss to Minnesota and had a 25-point performance in a narrow 76-75 loss to Maryland last Sunday. USC’s recent success has been built on offensive efficiency, scoring 70 or more points in five of their six consecutive wins. Beyond Davidson, forwards Kennedy Smith and Kara Dunn provide secondary scoring, combining for 22 points against Wisconsin. The Buckeyes, despite their recent struggles, boast one of the top offenses in the country and are 11-2 at home this season. Guard Jaloni Cambridge, who scored 23 points against Minnesota, forms a dynamic backcourt tandem with Gray. For USC, a road win against a ranked opponent would significantly bolster its NCAA tournament resume. For Ohio State, stopping its skid before the final stretch of conference play is paramount. Tipoff is set for Sunday, February 22, 2026. Ohio State hosts Michigan next Wednesday, while USC travels to face Penn State.