Men’s Basketball Begins West Coast Journey Against USC
Rutgers University’s men’s basketball team is preparing for an important West Coast journey against the University of Southern California (USC). This trip marks the Scarlet Knights’ first visit to California as part of the Big Ten Conference, following their last year’s games in Washington and Oregon.
Traveling East to West: A Unique Challenge
The Scarlet Knights will embark on a cross-country trip of nearly 2,800 miles. They will face USC on the road before heading to UCLA. The game against the Trojans is set for 7 PM ET at the Galen Center. Fans can catch the action live on Peacock.
Recent Performance
Rutgers is coming off a competitive game against No. 7 ranked Michigan State, where they played well but ultimately fell in overtime with a final score of 88-79. In that match, the Scarlet Knights led for a substantial 36 minutes and gained an early advantage by scoring 17 unanswered points. Five players contributed significantly, all scoring in double figures for the first time this season.
- Tariq Francis – 23 points
- Harun Zrno – 16 points
- Jamichael Davis – 15 points
- Darren Buchanan Jr. – 15 points
- Dylan Grant – 11 points
The team displayed efficiency, shooting 47% from the field. Tariq Francis leads the squad, averaging 16.2 points per game while contributing significantly off the bench. His recent performances have been particularly strong, with the player posting 18.7 points per game since transitioning to a bench role.
USC’s Recent Performance
On the other side, USC enters the game with a record of 15-6 overall and 4-6 in conference play. Their most recent matchup against Iowa was dramatic, as they rallied from a 17-point deficit, but ultimately lost 73-72. Kam Woods emerged as a top performer, scoring 33 points.
Head coach Eric Musselman, in his second year at USC, has led the team to a strong start this season, including several key victories against ranked opponents. The Trojans maintain a robust standing in national rankings for free throw attempts and blocks.
Key Players to Watch
Chad Baker-Mazara, with an average of 18.9 points per game, is a standout player for USC and is recognized as a top performer in the Big Ten. Additionally, Ezra Ausar, known for his efficiency on the floor, adds depth to the Trojans with a field goal shooting percentage over 60%.
Historical Context
The matchup between Rutgers and USC has a unique history. The two teams have faced each other four times, with USC leading the series 3-1. Their last meeting was dramatic, with USC winning 97-89 in double overtime during the Big Ten Tournament. Rutgers did, however, secure a victory against the Trojans in February of last year, a memorable contest for the Scarlet Knights.
As they stay in California, Rutgers will also prepare for a challenging game against UCLA, scheduled for 9:30 PM ET at Pauley Pavilion.
