Just two weeks ago, USC’s basketball season seemed to be spiraling out of control. Following a third consecutive loss, the mood around the program was bleak, and even head coach Eric Musselman was questioning the team’s trajectory. “We’re wondering if we’ll manage to win a single game in this new conference,” Musselman admitted at the time. But fast forward to Wednesday night, and the outlook couldn’t be more different. With a decisive 90-69 victory over Cal State Northridge, the Trojans capped off an impressive three-game winning streak that’s left fans and players buzzing with newfound optimism.
So, what changed? Somewhere during this stretch, USC seemed to flip a switch, igniting an offensive explosion that’s propelled them to three straight wins, each by a margin of 20 points or more. “We’re moving in the right direction,” Musselman said confidently after the game, a far cry from his earlier concerns.
The Spark That Ignited the Turnaround
The transformation in USC’s performance isn’t just about racking up wins; it’s about how they’re doing it. Over the last three games, the Trojans have showcased a dynamic offense and a newfound chemistry that’s been years in the making. Point guard Desmond Claude attributes this success to improved teamwork. “I would say we’re figuring out how to play with each other,” Claude explained. “We’re starting to click.”
Claude has been a standout during this winning streak, consistently stepping up as the team’s most reliable offensive weapon. On Wednesday, he delivered yet another stellar performance, scoring 21 points and dishing out a season-high nine assists. It marked his fourth consecutive game scoring 19 or more points, cementing his role as the offensive leader. Head coach Musselman didn’t hold back his praise, stating, “Desmond was phenomenal. People questioned if he could be a point guard, but there aren’t many players in the country with a 9-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio over an entire season.”
Shooting Stars: A Night to Remember
The Trojans’ offensive fireworks reached new heights against Northridge, thanks in large part to their exceptional shooting from beyond the arc. USC shot an astonishing 63% from three-point range—a season-best performance that left fans in awe. Even more impressive, they maintained this efficiency despite missing two late-game threes when the victory was already secured. Guard Chibuzo Agbo had a career night, draining five of seven three-pointers and finishing with a season-high 23 points.
“We’re seeing our hard work pay off,” Agbo said. “The energy on this team is contagious right now.” His efforts, combined with Claude’s consistent playmaking, have transformed USC into a potent offensive force.
Overcoming Adversity: From Slow Starts to Dominance
Wednesday’s game wasn’t without its challenges. USC came out blazing, hitting nine of their first 10 shots to take an early lead. But that hot streak cooled off quickly, as the Trojans hit a rough patch, making just three of their next 16 attempts. At one point, they endured an 0-for-10 stretch, allowing Northridge to claw their way back and even take a brief lead.
The momentum shifted dramatically, though, when Kevin Patton Jr. sank a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give USC a narrow halftime lead. That shot seemed to reignite the team’s confidence. The Trojans came out firing in the second half, hitting one three-pointer after another, and outscoring Northridge 50-30 in the final 20 minutes to seal the victory.
A Balanced Effort
While the offense was undoubtedly the star of the show, the Trojans also stepped up defensively in the second half. They clamped down on Northridge, holding them to just 35% shooting from the field. “Defense is where we have to set the tone,” Musselman said. “When we’re locked in on that end, it fuels everything else.”
However, rebounding remains an area of concern. USC was outworked on the glass once again, a recurring issue this season. But the team’s ability to compensate with efficient shooting and solid defense has helped mask this flaw for now.
Looking Ahead
This three-game winning streak has completely altered the narrative around USC’s season. The team’s confidence is growing with every game, and their offensive chemistry is finally clicking. Musselman, who just weeks ago was openly questioning the team’s potential, now sees a brighter path forward. “We’ve shown what we’re capable of,” he said. “But the challenge now is to sustain it.”
For fans, the excitement is palpable. With players like Desmond Claude and Chibuzo Agbo stepping up, and the team firing on all cylinders, the Trojans are proving they can be a force to be reckoned with in their new conference. The road ahead won’t be easy, but if this recent stretch is any indication, USC is ready to rise to the challenge.
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