USC Wins Thrilling 3OT Game Over Troy with Last-Second 3

UPDATE: In a heart-stopping finish, the USC Trojans triumphed over the Troy Trojans with a score of 107-106 in an exhilarating three-overtime showdown on the night of November 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. Chad Baker-Mazara delivered an electrifying performance, scoring a career-high 34 points, while Jordan Marsh sealed the win with a contested buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

The game took a dramatic turn as Troy, who had just come off a thrilling 108-107 double-overtime victory against San Diego State, led for most of the final period. However, with only ten seconds remaining, Troy committed a critical turnover after securing a rebound on Baker-Mazara’s missed shot. Rodney Rice quickly capitalized on the moment, retrieving the loose ball and launching it forward to Marsh, who then sank the decisive shot from nearly straightaway.

Rice also played a crucial role in USC’s victory, contributing 26 points and nine assists. Ezra Ausar added to the scoring with 22 points. Despite being dominated in rebounding, with a staggering 63-39 deficit, including a dismal 25-7 on the offensive glass, USC managed to pull through in a nail-biting finale.

Troy’s Cooper Campbell showcased his skills with a career-best 32 points, including 10 points in the third overtime. His performance also included a remarkable pair of three-pointers at the start of the final overtime, alongside 12 rebounds and eight assists. Victor Valdes and Theo Send contributed significantly, scoring 24 and 20 points respectively, while Thomas Dowd added 19 points and 12 rebounds.

The contest was tightly contested from the beginning, with neither team leading by more than five points during the first half, which concluded in a 29-29 tie. The game featured a staggering 15 lead changes, illustrating the fierce competition on the court.

In a thrilling climax, Campbell forced overtime with a deep three-pointer, tying the game at 68 with just 7.8 seconds left. USC narrowly missed a chance to win as Rice’s turn-around jumper bounced off the rim as the clock expired. The first overtime saw more back-and-forth action, ending in another tie at 78 after Seng’s crucial baskets.

This remarkable win improves USC’s record to 4-0 for the season, while Troy falls to 4-3. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the Trojans’ resilience and skill, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

As both teams look forward to their next matchups, the spotlight remains on Baker-Mazara and Marsh, whose heroics have captured the attention of college basketball enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling season.