What Really Happened with the USC Game Today
The energy at the Galen Center was absolutely electric last night. If you’re looking for the score of USC game today, you probably already know the Trojans secured a massive 88-71 win over Maryland. But honestly, the final numbers on the scoreboard don't even tell half the story.
It was a statement.
Going into this matchup on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, things looked kinda bleak for Eric Musselman’s squad. They were already missing key pieces like Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas. Then, tragedy struck in the first half—star guard Chad Baker-Mazara, who’s been carrying the offense with nearly 20 points a game, went down with a neck injury. He only played eight minutes.
Most teams would have folded. USC didn't.
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The Score of USC Game Today: Breaking Down the 88-71 Victory
The Trojans are now 14-3 overall and finally back to .500 in Big Ten play at 3-3. That matters. It matters because the Big Ten is a meat grinder this year, and dropping another home game could have been the beginning of a mid-season spiral.
Who Stepped Up?
Jordan Marsh was the hero nobody expected but everyone needed. He dropped a season-high 20 points, including four huge shots from beyond the arc. He basically took the team on his back when Baker-Mazara exited.
It wasn't just a one-man show, though.
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- Ezra Ausar: 12 points and a massive three-point play that ignited a 10-0 run.
- Jacob Cofie: Another steady 12-point performance.
- Gabe Dynes: The 7-foot-5 giant had 10 points and 8 rebounds, dominating the glass.
- Jerry Easter II: Chipped in 10 points to keep the pressure on.
Maryland’s David Coit actually led all scorers with 30 points. The guy was unconscious. But the Terrapins couldn't find a second option, and their field goal drought in the second half—nearly five minutes without a bucket—was their undoing.
Why This Win Changes the Season
Basically, USC proved they have depth. When you look at the score of USC game today, you're seeing a team that shot 52% from the field. That’s a magic number for them. They are now 14-0 this season when they shoot better than 40%.
The defense was the real story in the paint. USC outscored Maryland 44-14 in the "colored area." That’s a beatdown. Gabe Dynes is becoming a problem for other Big Ten coaches to solve. He’s long, he’s mobile, and he’s starting to realize just how much he can disrupt a game.
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What’s Next for the Trojans?
Honestly, the celebration has to be short. No. 5 Purdue is coming to town on Saturday, January 17. That is a completely different animal.
If Baker-Mazara can't go because of that neck injury, the Trojans will need another "Jordan Marsh game" from someone on the bench. Musselman was pretty vague in the post-game presser, saying he "didn't know" if his star would be back. That's coach-speak for "we're worried."
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Chad Baker-Mazara’s status over the next 48 hours. If he’s out, the betting lines for the Purdue game will shift drastically.
- Impact of the Big Ten Standings: This win puts USC in a position to actually contend for a top-four seed in the conference tournament if they can steal one against Purdue or Iowa later this month.
- Player to Watch: Keep an eye on Gabe Dynes. His rebounding matches up well against the traditional bigs in this conference, and his confidence is clearly peaking after the Maryland win.
The score of USC game today of 88-71 isn't just a win in the column; it's a sign that the "Muss Bus" has enough gas to survive the injury bug.