USC Wins Thrilling 3OT Showdown Over Troy with Buzzer Beater
URGENT UPDATE: USC triumphed in a nail-biting 107-106 victory over Troy in a thrilling three-overtime game on Thursday night in Los Angeles. Chad Baker-Mazara’s career-high 34 points and Jordan Marsh’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer secured the win, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world.
The game reached a fever pitch as Troy, fresh off a double-overtime win against San Diego State earlier this week, led for most of the third overtime. However, a critical turnover with just ten seconds left turned the tide. After Troy rebounded Baker-Mazara’s missed drive, they lost possession, allowing USC’s Rodney Rice to grab the loose ball and find Marsh, who drilled a contested three from almost straightaway as the clock expired.
This stunning finish kept USC undefeated at 4-0 this season, while Troy fell to 4-3. Rice contributed significantly with 26 points and nine assists, while Ezra Ausar added 22 points. USC struggled on the boards, being outrebounded 63-39, including a staggering 25-7 deficit in offensive rebounds.
Troy’s Cooper Campbell delivered an impressive performance, scoring 32 points and contributing ten of those in the tense final overtime. His clutch three-pointer with 7.8 seconds left in regulation forced the game into overtime, tying the score at 68. Troy’s Victor Valdes, Theo Send, and Thomas Dowd collectively added to the scoring frenzy, showcasing the fierce competition.
The game was a rollercoaster, featuring a total of 15 lead changes throughout. Both teams battled relentlessly, finishing the first half tied at 29 after neither team could establish a significant lead. As the game progressed, both squads exhibited grit, with neither backing down during crucial moments.
Looking ahead, USC will aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their next challenge. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can build on this thrilling victory.
This exhilarating matchup underscores the unpredictability of college basketball, as teams vie for supremacy in a tightly contested season. Stay tuned for further updates on USC’s journey and Troy’s quest for redemption.
