Rutgers’ Late Surge Falls Short Against USC in Gritty West Coast Battle
Rutgers nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback in Los Angeles on Saturday night, but the Scarlet Knights’ rally came up just short in a 78-75 loss to USC. It was a game that saw Rutgers spend most of the night chasing, only to nearly snatch it at the end - a microcosm of a season that’s been defined by effort, inconsistency, and missed chances.
Now sitting at 9-13 overall and 2-9 in Big Ten play, the Knights dropped their fifth straight game - their longest skid since the 2020-21 season - and once again found themselves digging out of a hole that proved too deep.
A Slow Start That Set the Tone
From the opening tip, Rutgers looked a step behind. USC, fighting to stay in the NCAA Tournament picture, played like a team with everything on the line. The Trojans dictated the pace early and built a double-digit lead in the first half, while Rutgers struggled to generate consistent offense.
Sophomore forward Dylan Grant and junior guard Tariq Francis did their best to keep Rutgers within striking distance, combining for 18 of the team’s 30 first-half points. But the rest of the offense was quiet, and the Knights just couldn’t match USC’s energy or execution early on.
USC’s Second-Half Surge and Rutgers’ Response
Coming out of the break, USC wasted no time extending its lead. A 10-2 run right out of halftime pushed the Trojans’ advantage to 17, and it looked like the game might get away from Rutgers entirely.
But the Knights didn’t fold.
In what’s become a recurring theme this season, Rutgers showed resilience. They clawed their way back with a 12-1 run midway through the second half, capitalizing on defensive stops and finally finding a rhythm on offense. USC responded again, but Rutgers had one last push in them - an 18-4 run in the closing minutes that turned a lopsided affair into a nail-biter.
With the game on the line and Rutgers down just three, Francis had the ball in his hands with a chance to tie. But in a cruel twist, he lost control before getting a shot off, ending the Knights’ hopes of forcing overtime.
Francis Shines, But Needs Help
Francis was once again the offensive engine for Rutgers, pouring in 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting. It was his second straight game over the 20-point mark, and he continues to be the most reliable scoring option in a lineup that’s still searching for balance.
Freshman Harun Zrno chipped in with three made threes on eight attempts, and fellow freshman Lino Mark - back in his hometown of L.A. - finally broke through from deep, hitting the first two three-pointers of his college career after starting the season 0-for-18 from beyond the arc.
It was a feel-good moment in an otherwise frustrating night, and a possible sign of things to come for the young guard.
USC’s Trio Takes Over
The Trojans leaned heavily on their veteran trio, and they delivered.
Ezra Ausar led the way with a highly efficient 21 points on 6-of-8 shooting while grabbing nine boards. Chad Baker-Mazara, the 26-year-old senior, added 17 points, and Jacob Cofie was a steady presence throughout. Their combined firepower was too much for Rutgers to contain for long stretches, especially with USC dominating the glass.
The rebounding disparity - 40 to 33 in USC’s favor - was a key factor. It’s been a recurring issue for Rutgers all season, and once again it cost them in critical moments.
Turnovers Win, Points Don’t Follow
One of the few bright spots for Rutgers? They won the turnover battle again.
But as has happened too often this season, they couldn’t cash in. Forced turnovers didn’t translate into points, and when you’re trying to steal a road win against a tournament-hungry team, those missed opportunities sting.
Looking Ahead
This loss won’t sit easy for Rutgers. They showed fight, they made it close, and they had a real shot at the end. But moral victories don’t count in the standings, and the Knights are now four games below .500 overall, and seven under in conference play.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the team isn’t quitting. The effort is there.
The execution - especially early in games - is what’s missing. And until they find a way to put together 40 minutes of consistent basketball, they’ll keep finding themselves in these too-little-too-late situations.
Still, with young players like Mark and Zrno starting to find their footing, and Francis continuing to carry the scoring load, there’s potential for growth in the final stretch of the season. But the clock is ticking.