USC men's basketball surges to non-conference win behind balanced offense

The USC Trojans delivered an impressive offensive performance, securing a decisive 97-70 victory over the UTSA Roadrunners at the Galen Center and improving to 11-1 on the season. Ezar Ausar led the charge, recording his first double-double of the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Four other Trojans joined Ausar in reaching double-digit scoring, with Chad Baker-Mazara contributing 20 points, Ryan Cornish adding 18 for a new season high, Jacob Cofie scoring 12, and Jordan Marsh contributing 11. Holding only a single-digit lead at halftime, the Trojans surged in the second half, posting 57 points and outscoring the Roadrunners by 18.

Eric Musselman emphasized the importance of a decisive margin of victory in games like this and expressed satisfaction that the score reflected a dominant performance. With USC currently ranked just outside the top 25, he is aware that when NCAA Tournament selections occur in March, style points can influence the decision-making process.

The Trojans shot an impressive 55% from the field while holding UTSA to under 40%. However, USC lost the rebounding battle, which continues to be a concern. Baker-Mazara remains a key offensive contributor, recording his fifth game this season with at least 20 points. His role will be crucial for the remainder of the season, as star guard Rodney Rice has been ruled out following a shoulder injury sustained in Maui.

Eric Musselman spoke with the media and confirmed that Rice will be shut down for the remainder of the season, though he praised the team for maintaining a positive locker room atmosphere and playing selflessly. He also detailed USC’s decision to pivot its next game, as the Trojans were originally set to face Brown. However, following a tragedy at Brown University, both schools agreed that playing a basketball game was not the priority at this time.

USC reached out and collaborated with scheduling experts to arrange a matchup with local college UC Santa Cruz. Musselman emphasized the importance of this game, noting that after the holiday break, the Trojans will embark on a lengthy road trip to fully begin conference play, with the team currently holding a 1-1 record in conference competition.

What's Next

USC will face UC Santa Cruz in the final game of the 2025 calendar year at the Galen Center on December 21. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT (4 p.m. ET), with the game broadcast on the Big Ten Network.