USC Women’s Basketball Faces Grueling Big Ten Schedule

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The USC women’s basketball team is bracing for a challenging stretch in its Big Ten schedule, with a series of games that include cross-country travel and limited recovery time. The Trojans will face Indiana on Sunday, followed by a game at Purdue on Wednesday, January 22. After a week-long break, USC will host Minnesota on Thursday, January 30, before heading to Iowa for an early Sunday game on February 2.

The schedule intensifies as USC travels to Wisconsin on February 5 and returns home for a crucial matchup against Ohio State on February 8. This sequence means the Trojans will play four games in 10 days, with two cross-country trips squeezed into the mix. The compressed schedule leaves little room for recovery, as one of the two off days between games is typically consumed by travel.

“The schedule is tough, no doubt about it,” said USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “We have to be smart about managing our players’ minutes and making sure we’re ready for each game.”

The Trojans’ bench will play a critical role during this stretch, as depth and rotation management become paramount. The team’s ability to adapt to the demanding schedule could determine its success in the Big Ten and its positioning for the NCAA Tournament.

USC’s schedule contrasts sharply with the initial simplicity of its Big Ten slate. The Trojans’ first two games against Indiana and Purdue are relatively straightforward, but the subsequent stretch raises questions about the logic behind the scheduling. For example, the Minnesota game could have been moved to January 28 or 29 to provide more rest before the Iowa game, which involves a significant time zone change.

“Life isn’t always fair,” said Gottlieb. “We just have to focus on what we can control and make the most of the situation.”

The Trojans’ upcoming games are part of a broader trend in college basketball, where teams face increasingly demanding schedules as conferences expand and travel distances grow. USC’s experience highlights the challenges of balancing competitive integrity with logistical realities.

As the Trojans navigate this grueling stretch, their performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The team’s ability to overcome these scheduling hurdles could serve as a testament to its resilience and depth.