USC men's basketball breaks into the AP Top 25 as Big Ten slate is lurking

After the USC Trojans’ dominant win over UC Santa Cruz and an undefeated non-conference schedule, the program earned a spot in the top 25 heading into the holiday break. Sitting at No. 24, their first game against Michigan which is part of a three-game road trip will be a top-25 showdown, as Michigan currently holds the No. 2 ranking in the nation.

The Trojans have been building strong momentum early in the season, highlighted by an undefeated non-conference run that includes a Maui Invitational Tournament championship. They’re one of seven Big Ten teams ranked in the top 25, sitting sixth among them, with Iowa close behind at No. 25.

The Trojans have kept up their winning streak despite losing star player Rodney Rice to season-ending shoulder surgery. Before being sidelined, Rice was leading the team in minutes and ranked second with 20.3 points per game. Chad Baker-Mazara has stepped up, averaging 21.0 points to lead the team, while Ezra Ausar has played a big role in the Trojans’ early success.

The Trojans will kick off the new year with their No. 24 ranking, heading out on a tough road trip to face No. 2 Michigan, No. 9 Michigan State, and Minnesota. It’s their longest road trip of the season, and with both the Wolverines and Spartans ranked, their spot in the standings will be tested right away.

The Trojans currently sit at 12-1 on the season and 1-1 in the Big Ten.