Quick Read
- Chad Baker-Mazara scored 25 points, leading No. 24 USC to an 82-77 win over Oregon in the Big Ten opener.
- USC improved to 8-0, remaining undefeated and entering the AP Top 25 for the first time in over two years.
- Baker-Mazara won Maui Invitational MVP just days prior, continuing his standout senior season.
- USC played without leading scorer Rodney Rice due to injury but benefited from balanced scoring.
- Oregon dropped its fourth straight game, playing without key center Nate Bittle.
Chad Baker-Mazara Takes Center Stage in Eugene
On a brisk December night in Eugene, Chad Baker-Mazara etched his name deeper into the USC basketball lore. As the Trojans opened Big Ten conference play against Oregon, the stakes were clear—maintain an unblemished record, silence a formidable opponent, and prove that their AP Top 25 ranking was no fluke. Baker-Mazara, the Dominican-born senior forward, answered the call with 25 points, steering No. 24 USC to an 82-77 victory and lifting his team to an impressive 8-0 start to the 2025-26 season.
From the opening tip, Baker-Mazara displayed the poise and versatility that had already earned him MVP honors at the Maui Invitational just days before. Whether he was slicing through Oregon’s defense or knocking down clutch jumpers, his presence was unmistakable. The game was tight, with Matthew Knight Arena providing a hostile road backdrop, but Baker-Mazara’s scoring bursts in crucial moments made all the difference. As the clock wound down, it was his three-pointer with just over a minute left that pushed USC’s lead to a commanding five points—a dagger Oregon couldn’t recover from.
USC’s Balanced Attack Proves Championship-Caliber
While Baker-Mazara’s star shone brightest, he wasn’t a one-man show. Jalen Cofie stepped up with 17 points, including 16 in the first half, keeping Oregon’s defense guessing and preventing them from loading up on Baker-Mazara. Ezra Ausar, battling in the paint, contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds, providing USC the interior grit needed to control the boards. Jaden Brownell and Jerry Easter II chipped in 11 points apiece, rounding out a Trojans lineup that has quickly developed a reputation for offensive depth and adaptability.
The absence of leading scorer Rodney Rice due to injury could have spelled trouble, but USC’s ability to spread the scoring load was pivotal. Shooting nearly 51% from the field and connecting on eight of 21 three-point attempts, the Trojans showcased the kind of efficiency and composure required to survive tough road environments. Their nine-point surge late in the first half allowed them to seize a slim lead, and their execution in the waning minutes reflected a team with championship aspirations.
Oregon’s Resilience and Missed Opportunities
On the other side, Oregon fought with determination. Kwame Evans Jr. paced the Ducks with 23 points and 9 rebounds, while Takai Simpkins added 17 points and 5 assists. Despite missing their 7-foot center Nate Bittle—who averages over 16 points and nearly 8 rebounds per game—Oregon stayed in the fight until the final minutes. Sean Stewart’s thunderous dunk brought Oregon within one point with just over three minutes remaining, but Baker-Mazara quickly responded, and the Ducks couldn’t close the gap.
For Oregon, the loss marked their fourth straight defeat, a tough pill for a program transitioning conferences and striving to rediscover its rhythm. The Ducks had previously won five straight against USC, but Tuesday’s matchup signaled a shift in the balance of power—at least for now.
Big Ten Debut Signals New Era for USC
Tuesday’s victory wasn’t just another tick in the win column; it was a statement. USC’s transition into the Big Ten was watched closely by analysts and fans alike, and the Trojans delivered under pressure. Entering the AP Top 25 for the first time in more than two years, USC now stands as one of only 25 unbeaten teams in college basketball, with this road win marking their best start since the 2021-22 season.
The ability to perform in high-stakes situations—particularly on the road—sets the tone for USC’s conference ambitions. With Baker-Mazara leading the charge and a supporting cast capable of stepping up when needed, the Trojans have signaled they are ready to compete with the nation’s top programs. The win over Oregon wasn’t about luck; it was about execution, depth, and resilience.
Baker-Mazara’s Journey: From Transfer to Trojan Leader
For Chad Baker-Mazara, this season represents a culmination of growth and opportunity. His transfer journey has landed him at USC, where his leadership, basketball IQ, and scoring prowess have elevated both his game and the Trojans’ prospects. As tournament MVP in Maui, and now the hero of Eugene, Baker-Mazara has quickly become the face of a program on the rise.
Coach Andy Enfield has found in Baker-Mazara a reliable anchor for his squad. Whether facing adversity on the road or missing key players, Baker-Mazara’s ability to deliver in clutch moments has transformed the Trojans into legitimate title contenders. His 25-point showing against Oregon wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a signal that USC’s ceiling might be higher than anyone imagined just a month ago.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
With an 8-0 record and a 1-0 conference start, the Trojans now turn their attention to Washington, hoping to extend their unbeaten streak. For Oregon, a trip to UCLA offers a chance at redemption. But the larger story is USC’s emergence as a force in the Big Ten—a team capable of making deep tournament runs and challenging for national honors.
As the season progresses, the question isn’t whether USC belongs among the elite, but how far Baker-Mazara and his teammates can go. Their blend of individual brilliance and collective resilience has made them one of the most compelling stories in college basketball’s opening act.
Chad Baker-Mazara’s performance against Oregon was more than a statistical achievement—it was a defining moment for USC basketball in its Big Ten debut. Supported by a balanced attack and the ability to execute under pressure, Baker-Mazara’s leadership now serves as the heartbeat of a team poised for championship contention. If this night in Eugene is any indication, the Trojans are not just unbeaten; they are unwavering in their pursuit of greatness.