LOS ANGELES, CA — USC had the game where it wanted it before the final minutes changed everything.
The Trojans led in the second half and appeared positioned for a key home victory, but late turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Oregon to escape with a 71–70 win at Galen Center.
USC built momentum midway through the second half, using interior scoring and defensive stops to take control and push the lead to eight points. The Trojans dictated tempo and forced Oregon to play from behind, but the Ducks responded with execution down the stretch.
Kwame Evans Jr. led Oregon with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Nate Bittle added 14 points and seven rebounds. Oregon slowed the pace late, converted free throws and capitalized on USC mistakes in the final possessions.
The Trojans had multiple chances to secure the game but could not finish offensive possessions in the closing minute. Oregon’s defensive stops and rebounding sealed the comeback.
“They know,” USC coach Eric Musselman said. “The attitude in the locker room is the kids know they let a big one get away.”
Chad Baker-Mazara led USC with 21 points and five rebounds. Ezra Ausar added 15 points and 11 rebounds, and freshman guard Alijah Arenas scored 13 points but struggled from the field, finishing 4-for-14 shooting.
“Ailjah can’t go 4 for 14,” Musselman said. “He’ll learn from it. He’s a freshman, but we need better shot selection and execution late.”
Jacob Cofie contributed nine points and eight rebounds as USC matched Oregon physically inside. The Trojans outscored the Ducks 38–36 in the second half but could not hold the lead in the closing minutes.
Ryan Cornish said the team is focused on responding.
“We’re all ball players,” Cornish said. “We’ll keep playing and get ready for the next one.”
Oregon shot 45.1% from the field and made 21 of 27 free throws, while USC shot 38.3% and committed late turnovers that created extra possessions for the Ducks.
USC controlled much of the second half, but Oregon controlled the final possessions — and that was enough to determine the outcome.