Trojans' Unyielding Spirit: A Late Surge Seals the Deal
A Stunning Reversal of Fortunes
Southern California demonstrated incredible resilience, overturning a significant deficit to triumph over Wisconsin with a final score of 73-71. This compelling Big Ten encounter, held in Madison, witnessed USC's determination as they erased a 12-point gap in the closing moments of the game, bringing an end to Wisconsin's five-game winning streak.
Key Contributions to the Victory
Chad Baker-Mazara was the standout performer for Southern California, contributing a remarkable 29 points. Supporting his stellar effort, Ezra Ausar added 17 points, playing a crucial role in the team's late surge. Their combined offensive prowess proved pivotal in securing the hard-fought victory.
Wisconsin's Strong Performance and Eventual Defeat
Despite a valiant effort, Wisconsin, led by Nick Boyd's 29 points and Nolan Winter's 12 points, ultimately fell short. The Badgers, who had a strong season at home, experienced only their second home loss, highlighting the intensity and competitive nature of the game.
The Decisive Final Minutes
The closing stages of the match were filled with high drama. Ezra Ausar's successive baskets gave the Trojans a crucial 69-65 lead with just over a minute remaining. While Nick Boyd managed to narrow the gap with free throws, key misses from Wisconsin in the dying seconds, combined with Jerry Easter II's clutch free throws for USC, sealed the outcome, extending USC's lead to a decisive four points.
The Crucial Momentum Shift
USC's comeback was ignited by an impressive 16-2 scoring run, which saw them overcome their double-digit deficit. Chad Baker-Mazara's three-pointer pushed USC ahead 62-60. Although Nolan Winter briefly reclaimed the lead for Wisconsin with his own three-pointer, the momentum had decisively shifted in favor of the Trojans.
Wisconsin's Mid-Game Dominance
Wisconsin had initially seized control, embarking on a 17-2 run that propelled them to a 58-46 lead. Braeden Carrington's three-pointer was a highlight of this dominant period, which had followed Wisconsin trailing earlier in the first half.
USC's Strategic Response
Facing a significant deficit, USC responded with eight unanswered points, narrowing the score to 58-54. This run included a timely putback by Baker-Mazara, occurring during a nearly four-minute scoring drought for Wisconsin, showcasing USC's ability to capitalize on their opponent's lapses.
First Half Dynamics and Lead Changes
The first half was a seesaw battle, with Wisconsin overcoming an early 10-point deficit to lead 41-39 at halftime. Nick Boyd was instrumental in bringing Wisconsin back into contention. However, USC had initially built a strong lead of 21-11, benefiting from Wisconsin's early struggles with shooting accuracy.