Big Ten Breakdown: USC’s Rising Star, UCLA’s Statement Win, and a Night That Shook Up the Conference
Tuesday night in the Big Ten delivered a little bit of everything-breakout performances, dominant team wins, and a glimpse at what a couple of former Pac-12 powerhouses might bring to their new conference home. USC and UCLA both walked away with convincing victories, but the stories behind those wins are where things get really interesting. Let’s break it all down.
USC 81, Indiana 75: Alijah Arenas Arrives
There are statement games, and then there are arrival games. What Alijah Arenas did Tuesday night falls squarely in the latter category.
The freshman phenom dropped 29 points in USC’s 81-75 win over Indiana, and he made it look smooth. Efficient, confident, and fearless-Arenas gave Trojan fans a real glimpse of the future, and it’s looking bright.
He controlled the game offensively, got to the line (8-of-9 on free throws), and filled up the stat sheet without forcing the issue. That’s what you want to see from a young player stepping into the spotlight.
USC didn’t just rely on Arenas, though. The Trojans owned the glass and brought real physicality to the paint, finishing with eight blocks on the night. That kind of interior presence changes the tone of a game, and it clearly rattled an Indiana team that had been riding some momentum.
The only downside? Chad Baker-Mazara, one of USC’s most important pieces, didn’t finish the game.
No word yet on the severity, but if he’s out for an extended stretch, that’s a major blow. Still, if Arenas can keep building off this performance, USC may have found a new go-to guy.
UCLA 98, Rutgers 66: Bruins Bounce Back in a Big Way
That’s how you respond.
After a tough loss to Indiana, UCLA came out against Rutgers and played like a team with something to prove-and they made their point loud and clear. The Bruins shot the lights out, hitting 55.6% from the field and a scorching 57.1% from deep. When a team is that locked in, there’s not much the opponent can do.
Xavier Booker was the standout, and he was nearly flawless. He poured in 24 points on just one missed shot and went a perfect 4-for-4 from three. That kind of efficiency from a big man is rare, and it completely stretched Rutgers’ defense to the breaking point.
Tyler Bilodeau, the team’s usual offensive engine, chipped in 19 of his own, and every UCLA starter hit double figures. That’s the kind of balanced attack that makes the Bruins so dangerous when they’re clicking.
This was more than just a win-it was a statement that UCLA can regroup, reset, and dominate when they’re locked in.
Top Performers: Stars Shine Bright
Alijah Arenas, USC
This was the breakout game fans have been waiting for.
Coming off a serious leg injury and a car accident not too long ago, Arenas showed zero hesitation in attacking the moment. His 29 points and 6 rebounds led the way for USC, and his near-perfect night from the line (8-for-9) shows a maturity beyond his years.
If Baker-Mazara is sidelined, Arenas looks ready to carry the load.
Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana
Don’t let the loss overshadow what Wilkerson did.
The Indiana guard dropped 33 points, continuing what’s been a stellar season. He’s now averaging 20.2 points per game and hit 5-of-12 from beyond the arc Tuesday night.
Add in a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, and you’ve got a player who shows up every night and gives his team a shot. Indiana didn’t get the win, but Wilkerson’s star keeps rising in the Big Ten.
What We Learned
USC and UCLA both reminded everyone why they were such big additions to the Big Ten. USC showed grit, depth, and a potential new star in Arenas. UCLA showed firepower, balance, and a bounce-back mentality that championship teams are built on.
And don’t sleep on Indiana-yes, they lost, but Wilkerson is the kind of player who can carry a team deep into March if the supporting cast steps up.
Looking Ahead
Wednesday’s Big Ten slate has a few matchups worth circling. Michigan State faces Minnesota in a game that could be tighter than expected.
Illinois will look to keep rolling against Northwestern, and Iowa vs. Washington could turn into a high-octane shootout between two teams with plenty of offensive firepower.
If Tuesday was any indication, we’re in for another wild week in the Big Ten. Buckle up.