USC Snaps Indiana Hoosiers’ Streak With Arenas’ Breakout

The Indiana Hoosiers’ impressive three-game win streak came to a screeching halt at the Galen Center in Los Angeles on February 4, 2026, as they fell 81-75 to the USC Trojans in a contest packed with drama, resilience, and breakout performances. Entering the night with momentum from victories over Rutgers, Purdue, and a double-overtime thriller against UCLA, the Hoosiers (now 15-8 overall, 6-6 Big Ten) looked poised to continue their hot streak. Instead, they ran into a determined USC squad (17-6, 6-6 Big Ten) eager to assert themselves in the conference and led by a freshman who stole the show.

Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana’s dynamic guard and offensive engine, was nothing short of sensational, pouring in a game-high 33 points. But despite his heroics, the Hoosiers struggled to find consistent support elsewhere, as no other Indiana player reached double figures. Wilkerson’s night was emblematic of the Hoosiers’ season-long tendency to lean heavily on his production; he entered the game averaging 19.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest. Fresh off a 24-point performance in the win over UCLA, Wilkerson again shouldered the scoring load, but this time it wasn’t enough.

USC’s own story of the night belonged to freshman Alijah Arenas, who delivered a breakout performance that will have Trojans fans buzzing for weeks. The son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah had been hampered by a torn meniscus for much of the season and hadn’t scored in double digits in his first four collegiate games. That all changed Tuesday night, as he erupted for 29 points, including a blistering 19 in the second half. Arenas caught fire at a crucial juncture, draining back-to-back three-pointers during an 8-0 run that put the Trojans up 67-55 with under six minutes remaining. His confidence and shot-making gave USC the cushion they needed to withstand Indiana’s late push.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Trojans, though. Veteran forward Chad Baker-Mazara, their leading scorer at 18.8 points per game, exited just a minute into the second half after landing awkwardly and injuring his right leg in a collision with Indiana’s Sam Alexis. Baker-Mazara’s absence could have spelled disaster for USC, but the Trojans responded with grit and timely contributions from unexpected sources.

Kam Woods, a guard who had struggled from beyond the arc all season (just 2-of-19 from three-point range entering the game), stepped up with a pair of huge triples during the second half. One of those came as Indiana’s Tucker DeVries failed to contest, and Woods’ newfound shooting touch helped the Trojans build a 55-41 lead with 11:39 left. USC also leaned on its size advantage, with 7-foot-5 center Gabe Dynes making his presence felt in the paint. Dynes, who hadn’t logged double-digit minutes in any of the Trojans’ previous four outings, reached that mark by halftime and grabbed six rebounds (three offensive) in the opening period. With three starters standing 6-9 or taller, USC dominated the boards early, out-rebounding Indiana 21-13 at the break and scoring nine second-chance points off eight offensive rebounds.

Indiana’s offensive struggles were glaring, especially when Wilkerson wasn’t on the floor. He scored 13 of the Hoosiers’ 33 first-half points on efficient 5-of-7 shooting, while the rest of the team combined for just 20 points on 6-of-20 from the field. The Hoosiers managed only two field goals in the final 5:31 of the first half after Wilkerson sat with two fouls, and the offensive malaise continued after halftime. Nick Dorn, who had been hot during Indiana’s recent win streak, finished with just six points on a cold 2-of-12 night—all from long range. Tucker DeVries, another key contributor, was limited to five points, marking only the third time in his career he made just one field goal.

Despite these struggles, Indiana refused to fold. Late in the contest, the Hoosiers deployed full-court pressure and forced several turnovers, clawing back to make it a one-possession game in the final minute. The sense of urgency was palpable, and for a moment, it looked as if Indiana might pull off another dramatic comeback. But the Trojans held their nerve, making enough plays down the stretch to secure the win and snap Indiana’s streak.

Defensively, the matchup lived up to its billing as a clash of strengths. Indiana, ranked 34th nationally in two-point field goal percentage defense, limited USC’s effectiveness inside, while the Trojans, boasting the 14th-best opponent three-point percentage in the country, held Indiana to just 10-of-35 from deep. The Hoosiers’ reliance on perimeter shooting was evident; 51.8% of their attempts came from beyond the arc, but the shots just didn’t fall. On the other end, USC’s rim protectors—Jacob Cofie (1.68 blocks per game) and Dynes—made life difficult for Indiana’s slashers, while Sam Alexis (1.14 blocks per game) anchored the Hoosiers’ interior defense.

The loss dropped Indiana to 15-8 overall and 6-6 in the Big Ten, leveling them with USC in conference play. The defeat also underscored the challenges of a demanding West Coast road trip, as the Hoosiers looked visibly fatigued after emotional wins over Purdue and UCLA. Yet, there were positives to build on: Wilkerson’s continued brilliance, the team’s fight in adversity, and the lessons learned from facing a big, athletic frontcourt.

For USC, the win was a testament to resilience and depth. Overcoming the loss of Baker-Mazara, the Trojans found new heroes in Arenas and Woods, while their big men controlled the glass and protected the rim. The victory not only snapped Indiana’s streak but also injected fresh confidence into a team seeking consistency as the Big Ten race heats up.

As the season barrels toward its final stretch, both teams remain firmly in the NCAA Tournament conversation. Indiana will look to regroup and rediscover its offensive rhythm, hoping for more balanced scoring to complement Wilkerson’s star turns. USC, meanwhile, awaits updates on Baker-Mazara’s injury but can take heart from the emergence of Arenas and the team’s collective poise under pressure.

In a game that swung on momentum shifts, clutch performances, and the unpredictability of college basketball, the Trojans delivered the final blow. The Hoosiers, left to ponder what might have been, will have to wait for another chance to extend their winning ways.