USC Trojans Face Crucial Matchup Against Ohio State Amid Tournament Hopes

LOS ANGELES, California — As the clock ticks down on the regular season, the USC Trojans find themselves in a precarious situation. After suffering three consecutive losses, the Trojans, under the guidance of first-year head coach Eric Musselman, must win their next engagements to keep their slim hopes of postseason play alive. With the Big Ten conference tournament cut line looming just out of reach, a win against Ohio State on Wednesday night is imperative.

In a last-minute attempt to claw back from a substantial deficit, Trojans guard Desmond Claude made a late-game floater, narrowing the score. However, with just 28 seconds remaining in the game, Claude’s ball-handling mishap ended up costing USC dearly, sealing the loss and marking the sixth defeat in their last seven games. This setback left the Trojans with a 14-13 overall record and their first losing record under Musselman at 6-11 in the Big Ten.

The urgency of the moment was evident. “It’s a must-win situation,” said Wesley Yates III, the Trojans’ leading scorer for the night with 27 points. “We can’t afford to let opportunities slip away.”

The bleak reality for USC is that their chances of an NCAA tournament berth hinge on a successful run in the upcoming Big Ten tournament. Missing the postseason would be a disappointing end to a season that began with promise but has now turned into a challenge.

In contrast, Ohio State has also struggled recently, coming into the game with a three-game losing streak. They faced similar stakes, needing a win to maintain their position in the tournament hunt. The Buckeyes started strong, hitting eight consecutive three-pointers—taking full advantage of a Trojans defense that has had difficulty stopping perimeter shots. Musselman’s timeout signaling frustration proved necessary as Ohio State surged, leaving the Trojans scrambling.

USC’s defense showed improvement in the second half, limiting the Buckeyes’ shooting to 33%. However, the damage had already been done, and the team couldn’t overcome the deficit created in the first half.

“It’s going to come down to heart and who wants it more,” said Musselman postgame. “We have to capitalize on every moment.”

As the Trojans prepare to face Ohio State, the stakes could not be higher. Both teams are still seeking to avoid falling out of contention for the NCAA tournament. Trojan fans will hope the home-court advantage can prove pivotal in this critical matchup.

With healthy competition expected, the matchup is likely to be closely contested. Recent statistics indicate that while Ohio State (15-13, 7-10 Big Ten) is marginally better in overall record, USC has strengths in areas where Ohio State has struggled, particularly in rebounding and shooting efficiency.

The anticipated intensity of the game is heightened by the fact that one team’s postseason dreams may depend on the outcome. “We have a lot on the line,” said Ohio State coach Jake Diebler. “It’s now or never.” Both teams will need to exhibit patience, strategy, and execution to emerge victorious.