What's Happening?
The USC Trojans men's basketball team triumphed over the Washington State Cougars with a 68-61 victory on December 14, 2025. The game, held at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, saw Jacob Cofie leading the Trojans with an impressive
performance, scoring 21 points and securing 10 rebounds. Chad Baker-Mazara contributed significantly with 19 points, despite struggling with his shooting from the field. The Trojans established an early lead with a 19-3 run, but Washington State managed to close the gap, making it a competitive match. Both teams shot 40% from the field, but USC's advantage came from the free-throw line, outscoring the Cougars 27-10 in that area.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for the USC Trojans as it strengthens their position in the current basketball season, improving their record to 10-1. The win highlights the team's resilience and ability to maintain composure under pressure, especially when Washington State closed the gap to a one-point game. For Washington State, the loss adds to their challenges this season, as they now hold a 3-8 record. The game underscores the importance of free-throw performance in close matches, a factor that played a crucial role in USC's victory.
What's Next?
Following this game, the USC Trojans are set to host UTSA on Wednesday, providing them an opportunity to further solidify their standing. Meanwhile, Washington State will face Eastern Washington at the Spokane Arena, where they will aim to recover from this loss and improve their season record. Both teams will likely focus on refining their strategies and addressing weaknesses observed during this match.
