Free throw woes show up again for USC is heartbreaking road loss

USC came up just short against Iowa, losing 73-72. This marks the first time all season in which the Trojans failed to win a one possession game. The road loss drops them to 15-6 overall and 4-6 in conference play, with time running out before the season wraps up.

Kam Woods was on fire for the Trojans despite the loss, shooting an impressive 12-for-17 and racking up a season, and game-high 33 points. At one stretch, he poured in 19 straight points, becoming such a key part of the game plan that he stayed on the court for all 40 minutes.

Trojans fail from free-throw line yet again

The Trojans shot an impressive 52% from the field but once again struggled at the free throw line, making just 11 of 16 attempts. Iowa, on the other hand, hit 86% of their free throws, with their final two sealing the game.

The Trojans matched the Hawkeyes in turnovers but still racked up 15 on the night. Poor free throw shooting and turnovers have been a recurring theme for them, and both are starting to pose serious threats to USC’s NCAA Tournament hopes. Chad Baker-Mazara had an off game, committing 7 of those turnovers and scoring just 13 points, which is unusual given how incredible he’s been all season for the Trojans.

The good news is USC will play their next two games at home, where they’ve gone 7-3 this season. The bad news is the Trojans are running out of time to rack up wins, and while they have some solid victories, they also have a few tough losses. Right now, the odds aren’t in their favor to make the tournament, so they’ll likely need to beat Indiana in the game after next to change that narrative.

The Trojans are heading into the final ten games of the regular season, with Rutgers up next on Jan. 31. The Scarlet Knights hold a 9-12 record this season. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET) on Peacock.