USC Trojans Triumph Over Wisconsin Badgers
In a gripping battle on Sunday, the USC Trojans triumphed over the Wisconsin Badgers, clinching a narrow 73-71 victory that halted Wisconsin’s five-game winning streak. Chad Baker-Mazara was the standout performer for USC, delivering an impressive 29-point game bolstered by five successful three-point shots. His teammate, Ezra Ausar, contributed significantly with 17 points, while Jacob Cofie rounded out the team’s performance with 11 rebounds, nine points, and five assists.
Game Highlights
Wisconsin initially seemed to seize control of the game, riding the momentum of a strong 17-2 scoring run led by Nick Boyd, who played a crucial role by adding a three-pointer and several free throws, pushing the Badgers ahead 58-46 with just over 12 minutes remaining. However, the Trojans responded vigorously, outscoring Wisconsin 16-2 over the next few minutes, with Baker-Mazara scoring nine of those points, culminating in seven consecutive ones. This surge allowed USC to take a two-point lead as the clock ticked down to 4:54.
As the game reached its climax, John Blackwell‘s free throws leveled the score at 65 with just over three minutes left. However, Ausar’s back-to-back baskets and additional points from Baker-Mazara ensured USC pulled ahead. Jerry Easter II sealed the win with two free throws in the closing seconds, extending the lead to four points.
Player Performances
For Wisconsin, Boyd was the leading scorer with 29 points, converting 10 of 17 from the field and hitting 8 out of 9 from the charity stripe. Nolan Winter and John Blackwell added 12 and 11 points, respectively, but the team’s overall shooting struggles—34% from the field and 24% from three-point range—ultimately hindered their efforts.
Upcoming Matches
Next on the schedule, USC will head to Iowa for their upcoming match on Wednesday, while Wisconsin is set to host Minnesota on the same day.
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