Nebraska Overcomes USC’s Halftime Advantage for the Win

USC Falls to Nebraska in Critical Matchup, Tournament Hopes Dwindle

In a crucial game for their NCAA tournament aspirations, the USC Trojans experienced a devastating setback, suffering an 82-67 defeat against No. 12 Nebraska. With their season hanging in the balance, this loss has left the Trojans’ tournament prospects increasingly uncertain.

USC struggled to maintain momentum after halftime, a recurring issue throughout their season. Freshman Alijah Arenas led the team with 14 points, despite not starting for the first time since returning from injury. Sixth-year senior Chad Baker-Mazara ignited the offense in the first half with 14 points but played sparingly in the latter half.

With only two regular-season games remaining, both losses would severely jeopardize USC’s position on the tournament bubble. A pivotal match against the 14-15 Washington Huskies looms ahead. Notably, just two months prior, Washington achieved a comeback victory against USC at home.

The Trojans appeared to be in control early, establishing a 36-31 lead by halftime. However, their performance unraveled as the second half progressed. After shooting 52% from the field in the first half, USC faltered dramatically, with a dunk from Jacob Cofie being their sole basket for the first five minutes of the half. At one point, they went scoreless for another five-minute stretch.

Meanwhile, Nebraska capitalized on USC’s defensive lapses, scoring frequently in the paint, with 16 of their first 19 points in the second half coming from dunks and lay-ins. By the time USC regained their footing, Nebraska had already built a substantial lead.

The game began with promise for the Trojans, who established an early advantage thanks to Baker-Mazara’s efforts, while Arenas played quietly during the first half. Nebraska’s starting point guard, Sam Hoiberg, picked up his second foul midway through the half, opening a window for USC to capitalize, forcing six turnovers in a five-minute span as Nebraska’s offense stumbled.

What began as a four-point deficit for USC shifted to a five-point lead by halftime, suggesting the team was poised for a significant victory. However, that momentum evaporated quickly, leaving USC once again grappling with disappointment and the fragile state of their tournament hopes.