USC Trojans Face New Challenge with UC Santa Cruz and New Point Guard

The USC Trojans men’s basketball team faces an unexpected matchup on Sunday afternoon, taking on UC Santa Cruz at the Galen Center. The game comes after a last-minute change in schedule, with the Trojans stepping in to fill a void left by Brown University, which canceled its game following a tragic incident on campus.

Head coach Eric Musselman emphasized the importance of maintaining gameplay momentum as the team heads into a challenging three-game road trip against Big Ten rivals following the winter break. “We talked to two of the very best schedule experts, and this was the right thing to do,” Musselman stated. “We get the opportunity to compete. We get the opportunity to play. We get the opportunity to get game film.”

The Trojans, boasting an impressive record of 11-1, will also be integrating transfer point guard Kam Woods into their lineup for this matchup. Woods joined the team at the end of the fall semester and will be essential in managing the offense while Alijah Arenas continues to recover from a torn meniscus injury. Arenas participated in practice on Friday, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation. He is expected to make a return to gameplay by mid-January, according to the team’s press release.

“It was great to have him back with the rest of the guys,” Musselman remarked about Arenas. “He elevated practice today. He’s got such a great basketball IQ and brings a tremendous amount of energy.”

In addition to Woods, Chad Baker-Mazara has been stepping up to help fill the void left by Arenas and Rodney Rice, who will miss the remainder of the season due to injury. Baker-Mazara is currently leading USC with an impressive average of 21.5 points per game, showcasing his adaptability and scoring prowess.

With Arenas sidelined, USC has had to adjust its game strategy. Instead of relying on a traditional center, they have utilized power forwards Ezra Ausar and Jacob Cofie to provide both physical presence and athleticism near the basket. Ausar is averaging 17.3 points and six rebounds per game, even leading the NCAA in free-throw attempts with 112. Cofie adds to the mix with an average of 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game.

Musselman has high hopes for Ausar, comparing him to former NBA star Metta World Peace, noting, “He understands angles. He’s super aggressive. He likes contact. And when you’re an offensive player and you seek contact, that’s a good thing.” His versatility and ability to score in transition make him a challenging matchup for opponents.

The Trojans will look to leverage their strengths against the Banana Slugs, who currently hold a record of 6-6. The game will tip off at 1 p.m. local time and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network and ESPN LA 710. As the Trojans gear up for this unexpected contest, their focus remains on improving and preparing for the upcoming challenges in their schedule.