In a stunning turnaround, No. 24 USC squandered an 18-point lead, suffering its first loss of the season against Washington in an 84-76 upset. The loss took place during the Trojans’ Big Ten home opener at Galen Center, marking a significant shift in momentum for a team that had previously enjoyed an undefeated start under coach Eric Musselman.
Key Events of the Game
The Trojans, who entered the game with an impressive 8-0 record, dominated the first half. They showcased their strength despite missing key players due to injuries, including point guard Rodney Rice and freshman Alijah Arenas. USC’s sixth-year senior Chad Baker-Mazara contributed significantly, scoring 14 points before halftime, allowing USC to maintain control.
Second Half Collapse
The second half, however, revealed a different story. USC’s performance dropped sharply, shooting just 25% from the floor after a solid 50% in the first half. This significant decline opened the door for Washington, who improved to 59% shooting in the second half.
Desmond Claude, a former Trojans point guard, played a pivotal role for the Huskies, scoring 22 points, 18 of which came in the second half. With under five minutes left in the game, Claude tied the score at 68, turning the tide fully in favor of Washington.
Statistics Overview
| USC Stats | Washington Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Points (1st Half) | 41 | Points (1st Half) | 30 |
| Points (2nd Half) | 35 | Points (2nd Half) | 54 |
| Total Rebounds | 12 | Total Rebounds | 25 |
| Points in Paint | 10 | Points in Paint | 20 |
Coach Musselman’s Reaction
Coach Eric Musselman expressed his disappointment, pointing out the tough absence of injured players. He noted that the team’s failure was not due to a lack of skill, but rather an issue of struggling under pressure. Musselman emphasized the need for players to rise to the occasion, stating, “We just got too comfortable,” a sentiment echoed by team guard Jordan Marsh.
Despite the setback, Musselman remains hopeful that the experience will be a valuable learning opportunity for his team as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Outlook for USC
Looking forward, USC holds an 8-1 overall record and a 1-1 record in the Big Ten. The team will need to regroup and address the issues that surfaced during the second half. With multiple players sidelined, the upcoming weeks are crucial for the Trojans as they aim to bounce back from this unexpected loss.
