USC’s Missed Opportunity Against Nebraska
After yet another loss, the question lingered thick in the atmosphere: If not now, then when?
This time, the opportunity presented itself at the Galen Center. Facing No. 12 Nebraska offered USC the chance to assert themselves against a top-ranked team.
The Trojans jumped to an early five-point lead in the second half, but things took a turn with an injury to Chad Baker-Mazara. This marked their fifth consecutive loss in a season that feels like it’s quietly slipping away.
The game concluded on a downbeat note, mirroring earlier home defeats against highly ranked teams like Purdue and Illinois.
“We had other chances, but we didn’t play very well at home,” USC coach Eric Musselman understated after the 82-67 defeat. “We’re a good road team, which is unique.”
But, what about neutral sites?
Given the circumstances, USC might only have one last shot at making the NCAA Tournament. It’s a tall order, especially with games against Washington looming and a matchup against UCLA on the horizon.
The Trojans’ hopes now hinge on the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago in two weeks. For USC (18-11, 7-11 Big Ten) to have any chance at their first NCAA berth under Coach Musselman, they will likely need to achieve something remarkable—perhaps reaching the championship game and even winning it.
To do so would require winning five games in as many days, an improbable task that seems nearly as daunting as walking from Los Angeles to the United Center. Even as March approaches, there’s a sense of determination still alive.
“The season isn’t over yet,” forward Terrence Williams II said. “Two games left in the regular season, plus one in the Big Ten Tournament—that’s all we have right now. Things can change quickly.”
Unfortunately, his chances of making a significant impact are dwindling, especially without his two leading scorers. Baker-Mazara was sidelined with a leg injury early in the second half, sitting right next to injured teammate Rodney Rice.
Musselman didn’t share details about Baker-Mazara’s injury, only mentioning that the player informed the coaches he couldn’t return. If this trend continues, the lasting memory of him in a USC jersey might just be a limp through the handshake line after games.
The Trojans struggled offensively without Baker-Mazara; the remaining starters managed only 23 points collectively. Guard Ariya Arenas, coming off the bench for the first time this season, scored 14 points late when the team desperately needed a spark.
Forward Jaden Brownell stepped up with 10 points and a team-high five rebounds, but with other starters like Ezra Orser and Jacob Coffey combining for just 11 points, USC was in trouble.
“I wish they were more productive,” Musselman remarked, assessing the situation. “We just didn’t play well. Rebounding was an issue.”
What was even more alarming than being outrebounded 41-25 was the noticeable drop in energy early in the second half after a strong first half.
“The opening possessions showed it,” Williams noted. “They simply wanted it more. Our effort was lackluster and we made turnovers that shifted the game.”
Musselman pointed to his team’s first-half effort as a sign that they still believe in themselves, despite the four-game losing streak leading into Saturday.
He emphasized that personnel decisions will determine their fate, mentioning Oregon’s recent revival after center Nate Bittle returned. Baker-Mazara’s possible return could signal a shift as USC gears up for their last regular-season game.
“We need to prepare for Washington,” Musselman stated. “I honestly don’t have much else to add.”
Ultimately, it’s simple: the Trojans need to start winning, or the next two weeks may unfold in disappointment.
If not now, then when?
