LOS ANGELES -- The struggles for the USC Trojans men’s basketball team continue as they fell 87-82 to Ohio State on Wednesday night, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. The game, held at the Galen Center, featured intense action, especially in the second half, where the Trojans nearly completed their comeback.
Ohio State, which ended its three-game skid with this win, showcased its offensive prowess early on. The Buckeyes jumped out to a hefty 52-36 lead at halftime, relying on stellar performances from Micah Parrish and Bruce Thornton, who each scored 20 points. John Mobley Jr. and Devin Royal added 18 and 13 points, respectively, to help push Ohio State to the victory.
For the Trojans, the night was marked by standout performances from Wesley Yates III, who led his team with 27 points, alongside Chibuzo Agbo with 17, and Desmond Claude contributing 12 points. Despite trailing significantly at halftime, USC managed to battle back, with stellar shooting performances after the break.
The turning point of the game came late when Rashaun Agee tied the game at 80 with just over a minute remaining. Following this, Royal executed a pivotal three-point play, driving to the basket and converting to put Ohio State back up by three. This play not only swung the momentum back to the Buckeyes but also highlighted the pressures both teams face as they navigate their respective postseason hopes.
Ohio State's first-half shooting performance was nothing short of remarkable; they hit 73.1% of their shots and were especially lethal from beyond the arc, sinking 8 of 9 three-point attempts. Such inaccuracies were not typical for USC, who turned the tide with their own shooting, hitting 15 baskets out of 23 attempts (65.2%) during the second half.
The resilience shown by the Trojans suggests their future contests could be game-changers for their NCAA tournament aspirations. USC’s coach acknowledged the effort and determination shown by the team, emphasizing the importance of winning their upcoming game against Oregon.
“We played hard, and I’m proud of the way we fought back,” USC’s coach said following the game. “We showed we can contend, but we need to work on maintaining our composure and discipline when the game is on the line.”
USC now stands at 14-14 overall and 6-11 within the conference, casting doubt on their playoff prospects after such disappointing outings.
With their next match against Oregon looming, the Trojans are desperate to stop the bleeding and maintain their postseason hopes. “Every game counts,” stated Yates after the loss. “We need to put this behind us and focus on what’s next.”
Ohio State, on the other hand, will look to build on this victory as they host Nebraska on the upcoming Tuesday. For the Buckeyes, this win will be integral as they push to solidify their standing within the tournament rankings. The pressure is on as both teams battle for recognition and opportunity.