If you're looking for the score of the USC game, you probably caught the tail end of a wild night in Los Angeles. The USC Trojans just took down the Maryland Terrapins with a final score of 88-71.
It wasn't even that close by the end.
Honestly, the first half was a total mess for the Trojans. They were trailing or tied for what felt like an eternity. Maryland’s David Coit was absolutely unconscious from the floor, dropping 30 points and making the Galen Center crowd very, very nervous. But then, things shifted.
How the USC Game Score Got Out of Hand
USC went on a 10-0 run in the second half that basically sucked the air out of Maryland’s lungs. It was 58-52 with about 14 minutes left when Ezra Ausar converted a massive three-point play, and from there, the floodgates just opened.
📖 Related: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
Jordan Marsh was the guy. He stepped up big time because star guard Chad Baker-Mazara—who had been averaging nearly 20 points—went down with a neck injury and didn't play a single second after halftime.
Marsh finished with a season-high 20 points. Most of those came in the second half when the team needed a pulse.
Breaking Down the Stats
You've gotta look at the "points in the paint" to understand why this score ended up the way it did. USC absolutely bullied Maryland inside.
👉 See also: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
- Points in the Paint: USC 44, Maryland 14.
- Field Goal Percentage: USC shot 52% (34-of-66).
- Bench Contribution: Jerry Easter II gave them 10 points off the pine.
- Inside Presence: Gabe Dynes had 10 points and 8 rebounds in a rare start.
Maryland kept it tight for a while, mostly because they were living at the free-throw line in the first half. They hit 14 of 21 freebies before the break. But once the Trojans cleaned up the fouls and started running, the Terps couldn't keep pace. Maryland actually went nearly five minutes without a single field goal in the late stages of the game. That’s how you lose a lead and eventually the game.
The Injury Factor Nobody Talks About
Everyone is focusing on the 88-71 final, but the real story is the USC training room. It's getting crowded.
The fact that USC won by 17 without Baker-Mazara for half the game is kind of a miracle. They’re already missing Rodney Rice for the season. Alijah Arenas is still out with that meniscus tear, though word is he might be back for the Northwestern game next week.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
Coach Eric Musselman has these guys playing a weird, gritty style where the "next man up" isn't just a cliché. It’s a survival tactic. They moved to 14-3 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten with this win.
What’s Next for the Trojans?
If you're tracking the score of the USC game to see if they're legit contenders, the real test is coming up fast. They host No. 5 Purdue on January 17th.
That game is going to be a different beast. Purdue has Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, and they aren't going to let USC dominate the paint the way Maryland did.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Chad Baker-Mazara’s neck. If he’s out against Purdue, the Trojans are in deep trouble.
- Betting Note: USC is currently 14-0 this season when they shoot at least 40% from the field. Their efficiency is the best indicator of a win.
- Ticket Check: The Purdue game at the Galen Center is expected to be a sellout. If you're planning to go, grab seats now before the secondary market prices skyrocket.
The Trojans have proven they can win ugly and they can win big. Whether they can do it against a top-5 team is the only question left to answer.