Injury-Depleted USC Prepares for No. 5 Purdue in Crucial Big Ten Showdown at Galen Center
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LOS ANGELES - The stakes are high and the roster is thin for USC as they brace for a major clash against No. 5 Purdue at Galen Center.
The Trojans are without two key backcourt contributors - freshman standout Alijah Arenas and junior guard Rodney Rice - both sidelined due to injury. But there’s a silver lining: graduate guard Chad Baker-Mazara is back in uniform and could see the floor after a short injury absence.
This isn’t just another game on the calendar. For a USC squad that started the season with promise but has struggled to find consistency, a win over a top-five opponent would be a statement - one that could shift the narrative of their Big Ten campaign and breathe life into their NCAA Tournament hopes. A loss, on the other hand, would push them closer to the bubble, with little room for error down the stretch.
Baker-Mazara's Status: A Game-Time Mystery
Roughly an hour before tipoff, Baker-Mazara was spotted on the bench with a heating pad draped over his shoulder and neck. He’s suited up and appears poised to contribute, but his role remains uncertain. While not listed on the Big Ten’s official Availability Report, he was absent from the starting five - a subtle but telling sign that the staff may be easing him back into action.
USC head coach Eric Musselman is sticking with the same starting lineup that delivered a win earlier this week against Maryland. That group includes graduate guards Kam Woods and Ryan Cornish, forwards Jacob Cofie and Ezra Ausar, and junior center Gabe Dynes. It's a unit that’s starting to build some chemistry, and with Ausar and Cofie each making their 18th start of the season, there’s a level of familiarity and stability the Trojans will need against a powerhouse like Purdue.
Purdue Travels Well - and Loudly
If USC was hoping for a true home-court advantage, they’ll have to earn it. Just minutes before tipoff, Galen Center was awash in black and gold, with chants of “Let’s go Boilers” echoing through the arena.
Purdue fans have shown up in force, and they’re making their presence felt. It’s a road game in name only for the Boilermakers, who are looking to keep their top-five ranking intact and continue their push toward a No. 1 seed come March.
What’s at Stake
For USC, this isn’t just about rankings or resume-building - it’s about identity. With Arenas expected back soon, a win here could mark the turning point in a season that’s teetered between potential and disappointment.
For Purdue, it’s business as usual. They’re the heavyweight in this matchup, but road games in conference play - especially against a team with nothing to lose - can be dangerous.
Tipoff is moments away, and all eyes are on Galen Center. Injuries or not, USC has a golden opportunity to rewrite the script.