While Super Bowl LX between the Seahawks and Patriots stole the national spotlight on Sunday, USC basketball quietly had itself a banner day on the road - and both the men’s and women’s squads came away with big-time wins that kept their respective hot streaks alive.
Let’s start with the men. In a back-and-forth battle against Penn State, it was freshman sensation Alijah Arenas who delivered the moment of the night.
With the clock winding down and the game tied, Arenas drove to the rim and finished a tough layup with less than a second remaining, sealing a 77-75 win for the Trojans. That’s now three straight victories for Eric Musselman’s group, and this one came with some serious grit.
It wasn’t just the buzzer-beater - USC showed poise in crunch time, executing when it mattered most and finding a way to close out a tight game on the road. That’s the kind of win that builds confidence heading into the heart of conference play.
Not to be outdone, the Women of Troy handled business in Champaign, taking down Illinois 70-62. USC came out firing, building a 14-point lead by halftime thanks to a strong two-way effort.
Illinois made a push late - as good teams do - but Lindsay Gottlieb’s squad held firm, weathering the fourth-quarter surge and finishing the job. That’s now four straight wins for the women, who continue to show they can win in different ways: dominating early, locking in defensively, and grinding out tough finishes.
Momentum is clearly building for both programs. Musselman’s team will look to keep it rolling on Wednesday when they head to Columbus for a road test against Ohio State - a game that could further solidify their midseason turnaround. Meanwhile, the Women of Troy return to the Galen Center on Thursday night to host Indiana, aiming to extend their streak in front of the home crowd.
Two road wins. Two teams on a roll. And a Sunday that, while dominated by the Super Bowl headlines, quietly marked a strong statement day for USC basketball.