USC Secures Strong Victory Against UC Santa Cruz After Last-Minute Opponent Search
USC Basketball Adjusts Schedule Following Tragedy
In a swift response to unforeseen circumstances, USC’s men’s basketball team faced off against UC Santa Cruz on Sunday, just six days after the scheduled game against Brown was canceled due to a tragic shooting on the Providence campus. Coach Eric Musselman and his staff worked quickly, with less than 24 hours to secure a new opponent.
The Trojans delivered a decisive performance against the Banana Slugs, achieving a commanding 102-63 victory. Musselman initially sought a Division I program to fill the gap left by Brown. However, regulations regarding the number of games permitted for Division I teams significantly limited potential candidates.
“We couldn’t get them to do it,” Musselman explained, highlighting the difficulties faced in finding an appropriate opponent amid the constraints.
The search extended to local schools and teams scheduled to play nearby, but none were viable options. Musselman’s team even considered the possibility of playing against a school facing Hawaii, due to potential game exemptions. Ultimately, few programs met the requirements, forcing USC to explore the lower ranks of college basketball.
“It was clear we needed a team willing to make this work,” a source within the program stated. Scheduling flexibility was critical as USC aimed to avoid any negative impact on its strength of schedule as they approached tournament season, especially with upcoming road trips to No. 2 Michigan and No. 6 Michigan State.
According to Musselman, canceling the game was not a viable option. “From a basketball standpoint, we could ill afford tonight to start our break,” he remarked.
The choice to face UC Santa Cruz proved strategic. While the Banana Slugs displayed early competitiveness, shooting well from beyond the arc, USC ultimately leveraged its superior size and athleticism. The Trojans dominated the rebounding game, finishing with a 36-rebound advantage.
Gabe Dynes led USC with 16 points, while Jacob Cofie added 14 points and seven rebounds. Ezra Ausar contributed 15 points, propelling the Trojans to a season record of 12-1.
With a decisive win secured, USC looks to maintain momentum as the team heads into a challenging slate of games in the weeks ahead.
