No. 21 USC Survives California's Challenges to Remain Undefeated

USC's first true road game wasn't always pretty, but the Trojans showed why they're ranked among the nation's top 25 teams.

Behind 19 points from Alijah Arenas and 18 from Rodney Rice, No. 21 USC defeated California 77–65 Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion, improving to 3–0.

The Golden Bears made USC work for the victory. They jumped out to an early lead, challenged the Trojans throughout the first half and made another push after halftime.

But every time California threatened to turn the game around, USC found an answer.

Arenas and Rice Take Control

California came out aggressively, building an early 9–2 advantage while USC struggled to establish its offense.

Rodney Rice provided the early scoring, keeping the Trojans within striking distance before Arenas began finding his rhythm.

The two guards eventually gave USC the offensive stability it needed.

Arenas finished with 19 points and seven rebounds, shooting 8-of-16 from the field. His ability to create his own shot became especially important whenever California's defense disrupted the Trojans' offensive sets.

Rice added 18 points and five rebounds, giving USC another reliable scoring option.

USC eventually took control late in the first half, building a 39–30 advantage heading into the locker room.

Still, California wasn't finished.

The Golden Bears opened the second half with six unanswered points, cutting the deficit to three and putting pressure on USC to respond.

The Trojans didn't panic.

Rice, Arenas and KJ Lewis delivered timely baskets, preventing California from completely shifting the momentum.

Arenas eventually connected on a three-pointer with 2:45 remaining to push USC's lead to 13 points, putting the game out of reach.

Jacob Cofie Controls the Glass

While Arenas and Rice handled much of the scoring, Jacob Cofie provided the physical presence USC needed inside.

Cofie recorded a double-double with 15 rebounds and six assists while playing all 40 minutes.

His performance helped the Trojans dominate the rebounding battle 53–36.

That 17-rebound advantage was significant. USC didn't shoot particularly well from the perimeter, but its ability to control the glass provided additional possessions and prevented California from consistently generating second-chance opportunities.

KJ Lewis also made an important contribution, finishing with 16 points while bringing energy and defensive intensity.

USC didn't need one player to carry the entire offense. The Trojans had multiple options capable of answering California's scoring runs.

USC's Defense Makes the Difference

California entered the matchup shooting 44% from three-point range.

Against USC, the Golden Bears connected on just four of their 23 attempts from beyond the arc.

The Trojans' defensive pressure forced California into difficult possessions and disrupted its perimeter rhythm.

Sammie Yeanay led California with 14 points, while Nojus Indrusaitis contributed 13.

The Golden Bears had their opportunities, particularly during the opening minutes of both halves, but couldn't generate enough consistent offense to overcome USC's scoring balance and rebounding advantage.

USC didn't completely shut California down, but the Trojans controlled enough possessions to keep the game from slipping away.

S³ Assessment: USC Shows More Than Scoring Ability

USC's 3–0 start has already demonstrated that Arenas and Rice can put points on the board.

Against California, the Trojans showed something equally important: they can win when their offense isn't firing on every possession.

Rebounding, defensive intensity and timely scoring carried USC through a challenging road environment.

There are still areas that need improvement. The Trojans started slowly, surrendered momentum at the beginning of the second half and struggled from three-point range.

Those mistakes could become costly against stronger opponents.

But the response was encouraging.

Arenas and Rice are developing into a dangerous scoring combination, Lewis gives USC another athletic contributor, and Cofie provides the rebounding presence that every successful team needs.

S³ Final Verdict: USC earned a quality road victory, but the most encouraging part wasn't the 12-point margin. It was the Trojans' ability to respond when California challenged them.

At 3–0, USC has the talent to make some noise this season. The question is whether the Trojans can maintain that balance and defensive intensity against the Big Ten's best competition.

S³ | Sweet Science Sports

Where Intelligence Meets Impact.