LOS ANGELES, CA — Illinois established control in the opening minutes and never allowed USC to recover.
The Fighting Illini opened the game with an early scoring run and led from start to finish in a 101–65 victory over the Trojans at Galen Center, combining efficient offense, rebounding and defensive pressure to secure the road win.
Illinois dictated tempo immediately, forcing turnovers and converting them into transition baskets to build a double-digit lead in the first half. USC struggled to settle into its offense against ball pressure, and the margin continued to grow as Illinois maintained steady scoring. The Illini carried a 54–32 halftime advantage and extended the lead throughout the second half.
Stojaković led Illinois with 22 points, providing consistent perimeter scoring and helping maintain offensive rhythm whenever USC attempted to slow the pace. Illinois also controlled the glass and generated second-chance opportunities while limiting USC’s interior production.
“We came out ready to play,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “Our pressure helped us get the pace where we wanted it, and when we defended and rebounded, our offense followed.”
USC showed brief offensive stretches but was unable to string together stops. Ezra Ausar led the Trojans with 15 points and six rebounds, working primarily in the paint, while Jacob Cofie added 14 points. Freshman guard Alijah Arenas, who did not practice the day before due to illness, scored eight points and connected on two 3-pointers.
Illinois widened the gap midway through the second half with a decisive run fueled by transition scoring and perimeter shooting. Turnovers by USC led to easy baskets, pushing the lead beyond 30 points and effectively determining the outcome.
“We shared the ball and stayed aggressive,” Stojaković said. “Once we got stops and ran, the game opened up for us.”
After the game, USC coach Eric Musselman acknowledged execution problems and pointed to areas needing improvement, particularly defensive consistency and handling pressure.
“We have to be better,” Musselman said. “I don’t know why we’re playing better on the road than we are at home right now. That’s something we have to fix.”
Musselman also noted the Trojans struggled against Illinois’ full-court pressure, which disrupted offensive sets and led to rushed possessions.
Illinois maintained control throughout by forcing turnovers, rebounding effectively and converting in transition. USC showed interior effort at times but could not generate sustained offense or defensive stops.
The Illini’s early run set the tone, and their consistency prevented any serious comeback attempt, securing a wire-to-wire road victory.
