USC is gaining momentum after a win against Rutgers on Jan. 31. The Trojans came in with plenty to prove following a tough loss to Iowa the previous Wednesday. In a nail-biting finish, USC held off Rutgers for a 78–75 victory. With multiple slam dunks throughout the afternoon, Ezra Ausar led the Trojans with 21 points.
Photo Cred: USC
Chad Baker-Mazara followed with 17 points and five rebounds, while Jacob Cofie added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Trojans maintained a steady lead over Rutgers for much of the game. However, in the final three minutes, USC nearly squandered a 13-point advantage. With one minute remaining, the score stood at 78–73 as the Trojans regrouped and held off Rutgers in the closing seconds.
“In the last three minutes we did not play very well at all. We’re still kind of learning who can be in and some guys we know can’t be in late-game situations,” USC head coach Eric Musselman said. “We won the game, but we’ve got to get better.”
Musselman credited graduate student Kam Woods as a key contributor for the Trojans. Woods finished with eight points and nine rebounds, and Musselman praised his quickness and maturity on the court. Woods’ teammates said he has become a pivotal leader following senior Amarion Dickerson’s season-ending hip injury.
“We told our guys to play off two feet and get in the lane, and he’s the guy that did it,” Musselman said. “I’m super impressed that he took only three shots in 38 minutes, especially coming off a 33-point game. That shows basketball maturity.”
“Losing a guy like Amarion [Dickerson] and having Kam [Woods] come in and be the replacement helps a lot,” Ausar said. “Kam has taken that role and owned it. Right now, we continue to build a brotherhood.”
Freshman Alijah Arenas also showed signs of emerging leadership, finishing with eight points. Returning to basketball after being in a coma earlier in 2025, Arenas has shown promising potential for the Trojans moving forward. In the final minute, USC clung to a three-point lead and needed one final stop to secure the win. Baker-Mazara delivered, coming up with a crucial defensive play to seal the Trojans’ 78–75 victory.
Photo Cred: Field Level Media
“You can see his talent and ability to get a shot whenever he wants,” Musselman said. “It’s difficult for coaches to work him in and for him to work his way in as a younger player, but you can see the incredible potential. He’s going to have a great career in the coming years.”
“I was basically baiting him,” Baker-Mazara said. “He likes to do the left-right crossover, and I was waiting on it because coach emphasized it all week in practice. He took the bait, and we were able to make the play.”
“Those situations will prepare us to win in the postseason if it comes down to a possession or two,” Baker-Mazara said. “We’ve been in plenty of these games, so I know guys won’t panic or lose control.”
This season, the Trojans have endured multiple nail-biting losses that kept fans on edge. As they prepare for March Madness, USC believes those experiences will pay off in high-pressure situations.As the NCAA tournament approaches, the Trojans appear to be finding their rhythm. With emerging talent and rising leadership, USC’s future looks increasingly bright.
