The USC Trojans took a much-needed step in the right direction Wednesday night, securing a dominant 92-61 victory over the Washington Huskies. With mounting pressure to perform, the team delivered an inspired effort, showcasing their mental toughness and resilience.
Buzo Catches Fire from Deep
Chibuzo Agbo was electric, draining seven three-pointers to fuel the Trojan offense. His sharpshooting kept Washington on its heels and helped USC control the game.
Court Vision of Claude Leads the Way
Desmond Claude orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 11 assists and ensuring his teammates got the best looks possible. He also finished with 25 points. His leadership on the floor was instrumental in keeping the Trojans in rhythm.
“We did a great job on defense,” Claude emphasized.
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Claude also credited the resilience of the Trojans after breaking their losing streak.
“We stuck together as a team; normally, teams just separate from each other. We watched team film, no coaches, just to see what we can do better. Ultimately, we have to just play harder and have each other’s back,” Claude said.
He acknowledged the struggles in recent losses to Ohio State and Oregon but praised his teammates for bouncing back.
“Everybody has an important role on this team, and I don’t like having bad games. I had to bounce back—that’s what good players do. The team needed me just as much as I needed them. They supported me, and I had their back.” He added, “Shout out to my teammates; I had to get them going, and they delivered.”
Claude was in full control from the start, racking up seven assists in the first half alone.
“I think we had really good ball movement. We were all unselfish and made simple plays. That’s one thing we learned from watching film as a team. We had to play disciplined and make the right reads,” Claude said.
Musselman on Building for the Future
Head coach Eric Musselman recognized the significance of the win but also looked ahead to what’s coming next. He hinted that next season will be a “name recognition season,” alluding to the arrival of five-star recruit Alijah Arenas.
“Some of the players coming in will be big draws. I think that one guy can help us attendance-wise, I can’t talk about it. People understand who is coming; there’s a pretty big buzz on it.”
Musselman also stressed the importance of engaging with the fan base.
“We’re going to do more things like going out in order to gain support from fans,” Musselman said.
Travel Woes and a Step in the Right Direction
Musselman was candid about the challenges USC has faced, particularly with a grueling travel schedule impacting their performances.
“Our travel has been really difficult towards the end of the year, and we haven’t played our basketball,” he admitted. “Tonight was a step in the right direction. We knew we had pressure to win the game.”
Agee Dominance and Future Decision
Rashaun Agee was on fire, delivering 18 points and five rebounds to further solidify his importance to the team. After the game, he reflected on his role.
“I try to bring energy to the team any way I can. I try to the best of my ability to help the team win,” Agee said.
With decisions looming regarding his return next season, Musselman expressed confidence that Agee will be granted another year of eligibility, a move that would undoubtedly bolster the USC frontcourt.
Agbo All-Around Performance
Chibuzo Agbo led all scorers with 26 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. His versatility on both ends of the court gave the Trojans an extra edge.
USC Efficiency on Offense
The Trojans executed with precision, shooting 56.4 percent from the field, along with 24 assists, demonstrating their ability to share the ball and take high-quality shots.
Musselman Has an Emotional Approach
Eric Musselman noted he gets emotional on the court.
“I wear my emotions on my sleeve. The people I work with or work around, I try to coach for perfection. I don’t care if we’re up 30 or down 30, there is a standard of how you want to play offensively or defensively,” Musselman said. “I want to coach every player the same. My job is to teach and coach. The way my dad raised me, being around Chuck Daly, being around Doc Rivers, I saw those guys do that. Hubie Brown. I owe it to the players in my mind. Some of my theatrics, my wife tells me, are embarrassing. I’m not going to change at my age.”
He also emphasized the importance of this win. “This team needed a win. We haven’t won in a while.”
Big Ten Tournament Aspirations
With their eyes set on competing in the Big Ten Tournament, the Trojans know every game from here on out carries weight. If they can build off this performance, USC has a legitimate chance to make waves in March. The win on Wednesday was more than just another victory—it was a statement that this team is ready to fight for its postseason dreams.
