URGENT UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the University of Southern California (USC) triumphed over Troy with a dramatic 107-106 victory in triple overtime on November 16, 2023, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. The game concluded with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Jordan Marsh, capping off a career-high performance from Chad Baker-Mazara, who scored 34 points.
This thrilling encounter saw Troy, fresh off a 108-107 double-overtime victory against San Diego State just days earlier, leading for most of the third overtime period. However, the tide turned dramatically in the final moments as a crucial turnover allowed USC to mount a last-second offensive.
With the clock winding down and just 10 seconds left, a rebound from Baker-Mazara’s missed drive led to a scramble for the ball. Rodney Rice seized the opportunity, sprinting down the court and passing to Marsh, who launched the decisive shot from nearly straightaway. His success not only secured the win but also highlighted the resilience of the USC squad, now boasting a record of 4-0.
Rice also shone in the match, contributing 26 points and 9 assists, while Ezra Ausar added 22 points. Despite being heavily outrebounded 63-39, including a staggering 25-7 deficit on the offensive boards, USC managed to rally in critical moments.
Troy’s Cooper Campbell was a standout for his team, scoring a career-high 32 points and hitting crucial three-pointers that kept the game competitive. His performance included 10 points in the third overtime alone, along with 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Teammates Victor Valdes (24 points), Theo Seng (20 points), and Thomas Dowd (19 points, 12 rebounds) also delivered impressive performances, keeping the match intensely competitive.
The game featured a staggering 15 lead changes and a tight score all night, finishing the first half tied at 29. Both teams struggled offensively early on, yet they found their rhythm as the game progressed. Campbell forced the first overtime with a long-range three-pointer, leveling the score at 68 with just 7.8 seconds remaining in regulation.
As the game moved into overtime, tensions soared. Seng’s late layups tied the game at 78 in the first extra period, and Baker-Mazara’s relentless scoring kept USC in contention. However, an equalizing basket from Dowd in the second overtime forced yet another tie at 89, leading to the dramatic third overtime showdown.
This victory not only showcases USC’s fighting spirit but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Trojans look to maintain their momentum in upcoming games.
WHAT’S NEXT: USC will aim to build on this thrilling victory in their next matchup, while Troy will seek to rebound from this narrow defeat. Stay tuned for more updates as the college basketball season continues to unfold.
