The energy at Galen Center on Sunday night was filled with uncertainty in comparison to the electrifying atmosphere for the Women of Troy earlier that day. Despite the lackluster start, the USC Trojans men’s basketball team managed to deliver an important 86-63 win against the Montana State Bobcats under first-year head coach Eric Musselman.
Fans, many dressed in festive holiday-themed “Muss Bus” sweaters, witnessed the Trojans claim their seventh win of the season, boosting their record to 7-4. According to Fox Sports, the Trojans are currently ranked 14th in the Big Ten, making this back-to-back win a critical step forward in what has been a challenging season.
Mental preparation played a crucial role in the performance of the team, especially during a period marked by high academic standards and final exams. When asked about the hurdles faced in achieving this victory, Coach Musselman emphasized the importance of the progress of the team and maintaining focus. He highlighted their ability to execute effectively on both ends of the floor with discipline, a sentiment that was reinforced by his players in their post-game interviews.
Related Stories
Westchester Flag Football Bests Stern in Playoffs
Dialing long distance: Harden joins Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 3-pointers
Guard Desmond Claude credited rebounding and pushing the pace offensively as key elements of the success of USC.
“That was one thing coach wanted us to do well, and especially starting with me—just push the pace and get downhill,” Claude said.
Forward Saint Thomas highlighted two critical areas: free-throw shooting and turnovers. “We shot the ball pretty well at the free-throw line, going 19 for 24, and we also drew fouls,” he noted. “On defense, we made them turn the ball over 12 times, exceeding our goal of 10.”
While the game lacked the high-energy moments often expected in a marquee match, the Trojans’ disciplined approach and strong execution secured the win. With this victory, the team appears to be finding its rhythm under the leadership of Coach Musselman, building momentum as they aim for a successful season.
For the USC Trojans, their triumph over Montana State was a much-needed boost for the team and its fans, a reminder of the potential this group has moving forward, even during a mentally taxing time of year.
