BREAKING: In a heart-stopping finish, the University of Southern California (USC) clinched a dramatic 107-106 victory over Troy in triple overtime on December 7, 2023, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Jordan Marsh.
Chad Baker-Mazara led USC with a career-high 34 points, but it was Marsh’s clutch shot that sealed the deal. This thrilling encounter took place in Los Angeles, where both teams showcased incredible determination and skill on the court.
Troy, fresh off a 108-107 double-overtime win against San Diego State just days earlier, had controlled much of the third overtime. However, with only seconds remaining, a critical turnover allowed USC to capitalize. After Baker-Mazara’s missed drive, Rodney Rice seized the loose ball and passed it to Marsh, who delivered the game-winning shot from nearly straightaway as time expired.
Rice contributed significantly to USC’s success, scoring 26 points and dishing out nine assists. Ezra Ausar also added 22 points to the scoreboard. Despite being dominated on the boards, surrendering 63-39 in total rebounds, including a staggering 25-7 on the offensive glass, USC’s resilience shone through.
Troy’s Cooper Campbell put on a show of his own, scoring 32 points with 10 points in the critical third overtime. His late three-pointer tied the game at 68 with just 7.8 seconds left in regulation, sending the game into overtime. Victor Valdes and Theo Send also made significant contributions with 24 and 20 points, respectively.
The game was tightly contested from the start, with 15 lead changes throughout. Both teams struggled offensively in the first half, which ended in a 29-29 deadlock. USC’s defense faced challenges but managed to hold strong when it mattered most.
Fans witnessed a nail-biting contest that will surely be remembered as a classic. USC improves to 4-0 for the season, while Troy falls to 4-3. As both teams look ahead, this thrilling matchup sets the stage for intense competition in the coming weeks.
WHAT’S NEXT: Both teams will aim to build on their performances as they prepare for their next matchups. Keep an eye on USC and Troy as their seasons unfold and the stakes rise!
