Over the past four months, USC men's basketball has been on quite the journey, filled with ups and downs that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The team faced significant challenges with key players like junior guard Rodney Rice and senior forward Amarion Dickerson sidelined due to season-ending injuries after just eight games. This forced Head Coach Eric Musselman to bring in graduate guard Kam Woods from the transfer portal in December to keep the team competitive.
The saga continued with five-star freshman guard Alijah Arenas, who only made his debut in late January after recovering from a knee injury over the summer. Just when the lineup seemed set, graduate guard Chad Baker-Mazara was dismissed from the team in early March, adding to the team's tumultuous season.
Musselman had to juggle 15 unique starting lineups over 31 games, utilizing 11 different starters, none of whom earned a spot on the All-Big Ten teams. Despite a promising 11-0 start in nonconference play, USC struggled in the Big Ten, finishing with a 7-13 record and landing in 13th place, out of the NCAA Tournament picture. However, hope remains as the Trojans eye the Big Ten Tournament as their last shot at redemption.
To keep their March dreams alive, USC needs a strong showing in the conference tournament, starting with a second-round clash against Washington. If they can overcome the Huskies, they'll face tougher challenges against No.
23 Wisconsin and No. 9 Illinois.
Defensively, USC has room for improvement. During their seven-game slide to end the regular season, the Trojans allowed over 80 points in six games, a stark contrast to their earlier performances. Opponents shot 48% or better in five of those games, with a season-worst 58% in a loss to UCLA.
While USC boasts the seventh-lowest field-goal percentage allowed in the Big Ten, they also give up the second-most points per game due to a high foul rate. The Trojans committed at least 15 fouls in most games, with key players like Jacob Cofie and Ezra Ausar averaging over three fouls per game. To succeed in the tournament, they must tighten up defensively without losing their composure.
The Trojans showed their potential in a win over Wisconsin in January, holding the Badgers to a 34% shooting percentage and committing fewer fouls. If they can replicate that performance, they’ll be in a strong position to make a run in the Big Ten bracket.
Their path to the NCAA Tournament is challenging, but not impossible. With a 4-0 record in neutral-court games, USC could make a statement in Chicago. Reaching the semifinals would mean victories over ranked Wisconsin and a strong Illinois team.
First, they must overcome 12th-seeded Washington, who has already defeated the Trojans twice this season. USC struggled offensively in those matchups, so a better shooting night could turn the tide.
Next up would be Wisconsin. USC's previous win involved a standout performance from Baker-Mazara, but with Arenas and Woods stepping up, they could fill that gap.
A potential quarterfinal against Illinois would be a tough test. Illinois dominated their previous encounter, but recent vulnerabilities give USC a glimmer of hope. With two days of tournament play under their belt, the Trojans might just pull off an upset.
Before thinking too far ahead, USC needs to focus on their opening game against Washington. A win would keep their NCAA hopes alive, while a loss would end their journey. The showdown is set for Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., and it's do-or-die time for the Trojans.