In a gritty Big Ten opener, No. 24 USC proved its mettle on the road, outlasting Oregon 82-77 behind Chad Baker-Mazara’s clutch performance. The win keeps the Trojans undefeated and serves as a powerful statement about their conference readiness, while the Ducks’ season continues to spiral with a fourth straight loss defined by critical late-game mistakes.
Welcome to the Big Ten, USC. In their first-ever conference game as members of the expanded league, the No. 24 ranked Trojans didn’t just win; they survived. In a hostile environment in Eugene, Chad Baker-Mazara delivered the decisive blow—a cold-blooded, step-back 3-pointer with just 66 seconds on the clock—to seal an 82-77 victory over the Oregon Ducks and announce USC’s arrival with authority.
The win moves USC to a perfect 8-0 on the season, a record confirmed by official team stats. More importantly, it demonstrates a toughness and depth essential for navigating their new conference, especially while playing shorthanded without the injured Rodney Rice.
A Three-Headed Trojan Attack
While Baker-Mazara was the hero with his game-high 25 points, this was a comprehensive team effort. The Trojans weathered Oregon’s early storm thanks to a balanced and timely offensive attack that came in waves. The key contributors were a trio that stepped up at different, crucial moments of the game.
- Jacob Cofie: The freshman was the entire offense in the first half, pouring in 16 of his 17 points to keep USC afloat when Oregon threatened to pull away.
- Ezra Ausar: After a quiet first half, Ausar came alive, scoring all 13 of his points after the break and providing a much-needed interior presence.
- Chad Baker-Mazara: The constant. He was the steady hand throughout, scoring 12 in the first half and 13 in the second, culminating in the shot that broke Oregon’s back.
This distribution of scoring is exactly what head coach Andy Enfield needs to see. It proves the Trojans aren’t reliant on one player and can adapt their game plan on the fly—a trait that will be tested repeatedly in the physical Big Ten.
Oregon’s Season of Self-Inflicted Wounds
For Oregon, this loss is more than just a rough start to conference play; it’s a continuation of a deeply troubling trend. The Ducks have now dropped their fourth consecutive game, falling to 4-4 as noted by their current standings. The culprit on Tuesday night was painfully clear: an inability to execute under pressure, particularly at the free-throw line.
The game’s pivotal sequence came just before Baker-Mazara’s dagger. Trailing 75-72, Ducks guard Takai Simpkins was fouled on a 3-point attempt, earning three shots to tie the game. He missed the first and third. That failure was a microcosm of Oregon’s night, as the team shot a dismal 14-of-22 (63.6%) from the line in the second half alone.
Compounding their issues was the absence of 7-foot center Nate Bittle for a second straight game. Without him, the Ducks relied heavily on perimeter shooting and the excellent play of Kwame Evans Jr., who posted 23 points and nine rebounds. But it wasn’t enough to overcome their own mistakes when the game was on the line.
Why This Opener Matters
This wasn’t just another non-conference tune-up; it was a barometer for both programs. For USC, it was a test of identity. Could they win a slugfest on the road in a new, unfamiliar league? The answer was a resounding yes. They absorbed an early punch, clawed back from a 10-point deficit, and made the winning plays in the final minute. This victory builds the kind of confidence and chemistry that fuels deep tournament runs.
For Oregon, the loss raises serious questions. The team looks disconnected and struggles with fundamentals in key moments. Coach Dana Altman has a long track record of turning seasons around, but an 0-1 start at home with a four-game losing streak is a deep hole to climb out of in a conference as unforgiving as the new-look Big Ten.
The game ended with a USC victory, but the message was sent to the entire conference. The Trojans are not just here to participate; they are built to contend.
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