In a hostile road environment and without their leading scorer, the No. 24 USC Trojans showcased their resilience, riding a clutch 25-point performance from Chad Baker-Mazara to an 82-77 victory over the Oregon Ducks. The win not only marks a triumphant start to their Big Ten era but also pushes their perfect record to 8-0, solidifying their new national ranking.
This is what a statement win looks like. Marching into Eugene and walking out with a victory is never easy, but for the newly-ranked No. 24 USC Trojans, Tuesday night’s 82-77 win over Oregon was more than just a conference opener—it was a validation. In their first-ever Big Ten matchup, the Trojans proved their perfect record and national ranking are no fluke, displaying the kind of grit and clutch play that defines contenders.
USC (8-0) continued its best start since the 2021-22 season by overcoming a significant hurdle: playing on the road without their leading scorer, Rodney Rice. Instead of folding, they leaned on a stellar performance from Chad Baker-Mazara, who poured in a game-high 25 points and delivered the game’s most decisive blows when it mattered most.
Clutch Play Defines the Night
For much of the game, neither team could create separation, trading blows until the final minutes. The Ducks took a precarious 73-72 lead with just over three minutes remaining after a dunk from Sean Stewart, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. But that’s when USC’s poise took over.
Baker-Mazara coolly answered with a basket to reclaim the lead. After Oregon’s Takai Simpkins managed just one of three free throws, Baker-Mazara delivered the dagger. With the shot clock winding down and the game on the line, he drilled a three-pointer with 1:02 left, stretching the USC lead to 78-73 and silencing the arena. Two subsequent free throws from Jerry Easter II sealed the hard-earned victory.
Depth on Full Display
Winning without your top offensive weapon is a testament to a team’s depth and coaching. The Trojans demonstrated just that. While Baker-Mazara was the star, he had plenty of help. Freshman Jacob Cofie was immense, especially in the first half where he scored 16 of his 17 points, keeping USC afloat. Ezra Ausar was a force in the paint, contributing 13 points and eight crucial rebounds.
The Trojans shot an efficient 50.9% from the field, a key statistic that underscores their offensive balance. This “next man up” mentality is precisely what teams need to survive the grueling conference schedule, and USC passed its first test with flying colors. The win solidifies their position in the national conversation, something tracked closely by the AP Top 25 poll.
Oregon’s Struggles Mount
For Oregon (4-4), the loss marks a painful fourth consecutive defeat and a frustrating start to conference play. The Ducks have now dropped five straight games to the Trojans, a significant reversal in this rivalry. They battled hard, led by Kwame Evans Jr., who was brilliant with 23 points and nine rebounds, but it wasn’t enough.
The absence of 7-foot center Nate Bittle, the team’s leader in points and rebounds, was glaring. Without their anchor in the middle, the Ducks struggled to find consistent offense outside of Evans Jr. and Simpkins, who added 17 points. The loss puts immediate pressure on Oregon to regroup before a tough road trip to face UCLA.
The Road Ahead
With this signature win under their belt, USC returns home with soaring confidence to host Washington on Saturday. Their undefeated start signals that they are a serious contender in the new-look Big Ten and a rising force in college basketball. For Oregon, the path is more challenging as they head to Los Angeles, desperate to snap their losing streak and find their footing.
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