USC men's basketball completes perfect non-conference schedule after dominating win

The USC Trojans capped off a flawless non-conference schedule with a dominant 102-63 victory over UC Santa Cruz at the Galen Center. The win secured a perfect non-conference record for the 2025-2026 season and improved their overall mark to 12-1. Originally slated to face Brown, the game was cancelled by mutual agreement following the tragic events at Brown last week.

For the first time this season, Gabe Dynes led all scorers, contributing 16 points on 80% shooting. Ezra Ausar and Chad Baker-Mazara each added 15 points, while Jacob Cofie recorded 14 points and a game-high 7 rebounds, tying with Baker-Mazara. The Trojans collectively shot just over 56%.

The most notable takeaways from USC’s dominant victory were the team’s mere nine turnovers and their overwhelming 53-15 advantage on the boards. While the Trojans were expected to win this matchup comfortably, UC Santa Cruz’s decision to accept the game on short notice was commendable, providing USC one final opportunity to compete this calendar year.

From start to finish, the Trojans controlled the contest, and as coach Eric Musselman noted after the UTSA win, style points matter. A 39-point triumph over an inferior opponent is precisely the type of statement that could propel the Trojans into the top 25 before they travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan following the holiday break.

Notable highlights from the night include head coach Eric Musselman securing his 250th career victory and new signing Kam Woods logging 22 minutes off the bench. While Woods did not score, he contributed significantly with 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and set the defensive tone with three steals.

The Trojans will return to action in the new year with a three-game road trip, beginning against the No. 2 ranked Michigan Wolverines on January 2 at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET). The game will be broadcast on Peacock.