Chad Baker-Mazara’s Explosive Performance Fuels USC Trojans’ Dominant Win

LOS ANGELES – The Galen Center witnessed an absolute offensive spectacle on Sunday, as USC Trojans star Chad Baker-Mazara delivered a career-defining performance, pouring in 26 points to lead his team to a resounding 114-83 victory over the Manhattan Jaspers. Baker-Mazara’s electrifying first half set the tone, leaving no doubt about the Trojans’ scoring prowess.

Baker-Mazara Ignites the Offense with Career-High Outburst

From the moment the ball tipped, it was clear that Chad Baker-Mazara was in a zone. The dynamic guard exploded for 20 of his career-high 26 points in the opening half, showcasing a remarkable blend of shooting efficiency and aggressive play. His offensive surge was the catalyst for a USC squad that seemed to find its rhythm early and never look back.

Baker-Mazara’s stat line was nothing short of impressive:

26 Points: A new career best, achieved with exceptional efficiency.
7-for-13 Shooting: Demonstrating his ability to score from various spots on the floor.
3-for-4 from 3-Point Range: His long-range accuracy kept the Manhattan defense scrambling.
9-for-9 Free Throws: Perfect from the charity stripe, highlighting his composure under pressure.
7 Rebounds: Contributing beyond scoring, showing his presence on the boards.

His early dominance allowed the Trojans to build a significant lead, thrilling the home crowd and establishing their offensive identity for the game.

USC’s Historic Scoring Spree: A Team Effort

While Chad Baker-Mazara was undoubtedly the star, his performance was complemented by a deep and talented USC roster that saw an astonishing seven players reach double figures. This collective offensive firepower resulted in a monumental 114-point outing, marking the highest scoring total for the Trojans since 1998.

Key contributors to this historic scoring effort included:

Ezra Ausar: 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, demonstrating efficiency and impact.
Rodney Rice: 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, showcasing his all-around game.
Jaden Brownell: 13 points off the bench, adding significant firepower.
Jordan Marsh: 11 points as a reserve, contributing to the strong bench play.
Jacob Cofie: 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, recording a stellar double-double.
Terrence Williams II: 10 points and 7 boards, providing crucial interior presence.

This balanced attack made it nearly impossible for the Manhattan defense to focus on a single player, allowing the Trojans to consistently find open looks and maintain their offensive flow.

Game Flow: Trojans Pull Away Decisively

The game started with a brief back-and-forth, with USC initially taking a 7-2 lead before Manhattan tied it at 7. However, the equilibrium didn’t last long. With just under eight minutes remaining in the first half, Baker-Mazara sank a crucial 3-pointer, putting USC up 28-23 and initiating a decisive run. The Trojans then converted four of their next five shots, pushing their advantage into double digits and ultimately heading into halftime with a commanding 55-37 lead.

The second half saw USC extend their dominance, reaching a lead of as many as 35 points. Brownell’s layup with 6:16 left to play pushed the Trojans past the century mark, solidifying their comprehensive victory. It was a performance that underscored the team’s offensive potential and ability to control the pace of the game.

Manhattan’s Resilient Effort

Despite the overwhelming USC offense, the Manhattan Jaspers fought hard and showed flashes of their own talent. Junior guard Jaden Winston was a standout for Manhattan, scoring a career-high 29 points, hitting nine of 14 shots, including three 3-pointers, and going perfect from the free-throw line (8-for-8). Terrance Jones added 18 points, and fellow reserve Anthony Isaac contributed 16 points. Their efforts prevented the game from being a complete runaway and offered bright spots for the Jaspers.

Looking Ahead for the Trojans

This dominant performance, particularly the offensive explosion led by Chad Baker-Mazara, sends a strong message across college basketball. The Trojans, now with a 2-0 record, are showcasing a high-octane offense and a deep roster. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if this momentum can be sustained as the season progresses. For more on the latest college basketball news and scores, visit NCAA.com.