How to Watch USC vs. Clemson Live in NCAA Tournament Opening Round

The USC Trojans go on the road to face the Clemson Tigers as star freshman Jazzy Davidson makes her NCAA Tournament debut with hopes of having her March Madness moment.

Jan 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard Jazzy Davidson (9) warms up prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The NCAA Tournament tips off for the USC Trojans women’s basketball team with a high-stakes matchup against the Clemson Tigers. The Trojans enter as a No. 9 seed looking to reset their season, while the No. 8 Tigers return to March Madness with momentum and something to prove. Saturday’s clash presents a classic 8-9 matchup with a trip to the second round on the line.

How to Watch

When: Saturday, March 21, 12:30 p.m. PT
Where: Columbia, South Carolina | Colonial Life Arena
TV: ESPN2

Betting Odds

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the USC Trojans are 5.5-point favorites over Clemson. The moneyline for USC is -215and the point spread is 120.5.

Jazzy Davidson Must Deliver Like a Star

Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Jazzy Davidson (9) dribbles the ball against the NC State Wolfpack during the fourth quarter of the Ally Tipoff game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

USC’s ceiling in this tournament begins with freshman guard Jazzy Davidson. She has been the engine of the Trojans all season, leading the team in points (17.9), rebounds (5.9), assists (4.3), steals (2.0), and blocks (2.1). No other Division I player matched that across-the-board production.

Now cleared after a shoulder injury scare in the Big Ten Tournament, Davidson enters March Madness with full expectations. USC doesn't just need her to play well, but rather they need her to go out and dominate. If the Trojans are going to advance, Davidson has to validate her National Freshman of the Year case with a complete, high-level performance.

“I’m super excited. You grow up playing basketball and watching the NCAA Tournament, and it’s always super electric every year," Davidson said at the Selection Sunday press conference. "Just getting the opportunity to play in my first [NCAA Tournament], I don’t take that lightly at all. I’m just going in and doing whatever I can do to help the team win.”

USC is no stranger to March Madness moments from their star freshman. Back in 2024, JuJu Watkins made a spectacular NCAA Tournament debut, leading USC to an 87-55 first-round victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi finishing with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. With this statline, she broke the USC single-season scoring record previously held by Cheryl Miller.

Coach Gottlieb and the Trojans may not be expecting Davidson to replicate that performance, but the hope is for something akin to it. Win or lose, a strong tournament debut will be great nod to how dominant Davidson has been this season. It will also hint to how much more special she will be next season alongside Watkins in her return from injury and a stacked 2026 recruiting class.

Trojans Must Block Out the Noise and Stay Present

Mar 29, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb looks on against the Kansas State Wildcats during the first half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena. at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

USC faces more than just Clemson. They also are going to have to withstand the environment. Playing in Columbia creates a pseudo road atmosphere, with the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks also looming in the the next round. That’s a trap.

The Trojans cannot afford to look ahead or get overwhelmed by the setting. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb made it clear the team embraces energy, but controlling focus is the priority.

“I think we’re focused. We understand that we have work to do to prove what we’re capable of. There’s no lack of belief in the room,” Gottlieb said. “In terms of the experiences we’ve had together, this is where we’re supposed to be, and we’re going to go play our best basketball in the NCAA Tournament.”

USC’s season has been inconsistent, with a late skid entering the tournament. That makes mental discipline even more important. No distractions, no scoreboard watching, no South Carolina talk. Just Clemson. In a "win or go home" scenario, the Trojans must not beat themselves by being psyched out by the uphill battle ahead.

Mia Moore Leads a Hungry Clemson Squad

Mar 6, 2026; Duluth, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Mia Moore (12) drives to the basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second quarter at Gas South Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Clemson enters this game with a different kind of pressure and motivation. The Tigers are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in seven years, marking just their second appearance in the last 25 years. Under head coach Shawn Poppie, this group has accelerated its rebuild faster than expected. At the center of it is senior guard Mia Moore.

Moore averaged 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this season while earning Second Team All-ACC honors and becoming a WBCA All-America finalist. She has delivered big moments all year, including multiple 30-point games and a program-record 10 points in overtime in a win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Clemson plays with a chip on its shoulder and Moore sets that tone. The Tigers have already exceeded expectations. Now they’re looking to extend their run at the expense of the Trojans.

Prediction

USC Trojans win 68-62 over the Clemson Tigers at the Colonial Life Arena to keep their title hopes alive and advance to the Round of 32.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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