unique

Their frustrating midseason slump was finally in the rear-view mirror, their season finally feeling back on the right track.

Any reservations about USC righting the ship after losing six of seven had largely been forgotten on the heels of a four-game winning streak. Victories over No. 8 Iowa, Rutgers, Northwestern and Illinois, two of which came on the road, had cemented its place on the right side of the NCAA tournament bubble.

But as the Trojans were reminded in a 79-73 win over Indiana at Galen Center, now is no time to get comfortable — even if Thursday’s victory had marked their longest winning streak of the season.

The Hoosiers certainly never let USC settle in, even as freshman Jazzy Davidson poured in another stat-stuffing performance that would have to carry a stagnant Trojan offense for much of the way. It would take an aggressive defensive effort, too, complete with 19 forced turnovers, to put Indiana away.

That it took such a hard-fought effort to escape a team that’s 3-11 in the Big Ten and was without the Big Ten’s leading scorer, Shay Ciezki, was not exactly reassuring, as USC (16-9 overall, 8-6 in the Big Ten) enters the final four games of their regular season slate. Two of those four are against top 10 teams, Ohio State and UCLA.

But where the Trojans might have slipped up earlier in the season, they held tight Thursday.

“We were tough where we needed to be when shots weren’t falling,” coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “Our confidence to get it done when it’s not always prettiest is something that we’re proud of.”

Outside of a stellar second quarter, Thursday’s win certainly would not be remembered for being aesthetically pleasing. Over the rest of the game, Trojans shot under 32% from the floor. Their issues from three-point range persisted, as they made just three of 19 from behind the arc. Over their last four games, they’ve knocked down just 11 of 68 (16%).

They wouldn’t need them Thursday, not with Davidson looking as dynamic as ever. The freshman sensation followed up a career-high, 27-point performance with 24 points, along with six rebounds, three assists and three steals. She did so while playing all 40 minutes.

“You talk about overdelivering,” Gottlieb said, “To be a freshman and carry the load for us and continue to grow, the numbers are really showing it … she’s just capable of doing almost anything on a basketball court.”

That much has been abundantly clear over the last seven games, with Davidson as she’s averaging 20 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks per night. She credited that outburst with being more comfortable down the final stretch of the season.

The Trojans will likely go as far as their dynamic freshman can take them as March approaches. But of late that’s been a pretty successful strategy.

“She’s unique,” Gottlieb said. “I know there are several good freshmen in the country. We know how good she is. We see it every day, and we think there’s no one better.”

USC didn’t look early on like a team that had found solid ground . The Trojans went six straight minutes in the first without a single field goal, then gave up an 8-0 run to Indiana in the final 1:22 of the quarter.

It was until Davidson turned it on in the second quarter that USC seized control. Fresh off her fifth Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, Davidson tallied 10 points in the second alone, while the Hoosiers had just 13 total, USC’s defense clamping down after a sloppy start.

With Indiana’s attention on Davidson, Kara Dunn and Kennedy Smith would help the Trojans fire out front, as they combined for 20 points after half. But the Hoosiers tied the score just one possession into the fourth quarter.

An elbow to the face of guard Malia Samuels gave the Trojans free throws and a seven-point lead with just four minutes remaining in the game. Still, a foul from Dunn on a corner three-pointer by Indiana’s Maya Makalusky opened the door for the Hoosiers.

Makalusky, who led all scorers with 29, hit another three to once again cut the lead to a single possession.

But USC held on, with Smith applying the punctuation mark, snagging a driving Indiana lay-in out of mid-air with just a minute remaining. It was the sort of play that reminded what USC might be capable of, with everything working in concert.

It’ll need that to be the case, if it hopes to make noise come March.

“We’re in position to do all the things we set out to do,” Gottlieb said. “We’re as good and set up as any team outside of maybe the top group to get a great seed.”

The picturesque village has one single road running through it and is home to a beloved country restaurant with rave reviews — ideal to spend a day in the countryside.

A charming Lancashire village featuring just one street and boasting a highly-rated country restaurant offers the perfect destination for your next family day out or catch-up with mates.

This distinctive linear village lies next to the renowned Pendle Hill, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to this peaceful hamlet.

Tucked away in the Ribble Valley district, east of the bustling market town of Clitheroe, this compact village serves as an ideal location for a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty.

Its solitary road runs through the settlement before narrowing to a single-track lane leading to neighbouring Downham.

Despite the conservation village of Worston being relatively under the radar, it provides plenty of attractions for a fulfilling day trip.

A serene haven away from urban hustle and bustle, Worston boasts a fascinating and layered past. Back in 1778, workmen broadening the village road to Chatburn discovered 1,000 Roman coins (Denarii) in this modest settlement.

There’s also a prehistoric burial site located on Worsaw Hill, reports Lancs Live.

Located a stone’s throw from the village, Worsaw Hill is a Bronze Age burial mound displaying faint earthworks at its peak, potentially revealing traces of an ancient community from bygone times.

A cavern near the hill’s base enhances its enigmatic appeal, whilst the rocky outcrops and gentler slopes of Worsaw Hill prove excellent territory for fossil enthusiasts.

This tranquil single-track hamlet boasts numerous historical connections, featuring three Grade II Listed structures: the 17th-century Crow Hill Cottage, the 19th-century Worston Old Hall, and the Wall surrounding Worston Old Hall.

Remarkably, Worston Old Hall contains pieces of the historic Sawley Abbey embedded within its construction.

Tucked away beyond the village’s solitary main thoroughfare lies the remarkably intact remnants of an old bull ring, hidden within a compact meadow.

The stone and bronze tethering ring used during the bull-baiting period remains perfectly preserved on the village green.

This bull ring is thought to have been the epicentre of village activity in bygone days.

After the bull-baiting tradition faded, legend has it that anyone seeking confrontation would approach the bronze ring and rattle it vigorously to provoke a duel on the village green.

Charming countryside restaurant worth a visit

At the centre of tranquil Worston sits a much-loved rural restaurant and pub, treasured by locals and tourists alike.

The Calf’s Head ranks as Worston’s premier venue, earning an impressive 4.1 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor. It stands as the village’s sole dining and drinking destination.

With stunning vistas across Pendle Hill, the Calf’s Head serves authentic ales and an impressive wine collection, alongside a comprehensive menu featuring freshly prepared dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Its sprawling, well-kept gardens and outdoor dining space offer guests the opportunity to savour meals in the fresh air whilst taking in breathtaking views across the Lancashire countryside.

Diners have heaped praise on the food at Calf’s Head, with one guest sharing on Tripadvisor: “We were holidaying in the area and decided to try the Calf’s Head for an evening meal.

“We were not disappointed, the food was plentiful and tasty and it was so good to see some traditional meals on the menu. I loved the homely atmosphere in the restaurant, it was a dark November evening when we visited and it felt very cosy. We will return when we’re next in the area.”

Another glowing review says: “Just had the most amazing afternoon tea in celebration of family birthdays. Soup to start, unlimited tea, varied sandwiches, delicious cakes and scones with jam and cream.

“The staff were friendly, the views were stunning and we loved every part of it. Amazing value at £22.50 per person. Thank you so much.”

Meanwhile, another satisfied visitor said: “We stayed for two nights, having both breakfast and evening meal both days. Delicious food and great service on each occasion, despite the fact they were incredibly busy on Sunday. (Judging by the food, I’m not surprised – our lamb burgers with goat’s cheese and caramelised onions were superb, as was the lasagne.)

“The setting is perfect – in a lovely walled garden by a stream, in a pretty little village. Add in a comfy bed, tea and coffee-making facilities and piping hot water; we couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you!”

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