USC Survives Thrilling 3OT Battle with Troy, 107-106

UPDATE: In a breathtaking finish, USC secured a dramatic 107-106 victory over Troy in triple overtime on December 7, 2023. Chad Baker-Mazara delivered a career-high 34 points, while Jordan Marsh hit a contested 3-pointer at the buzzer, sealing the win for USC.

Troy, fresh off a stunning double-overtime win against San Diego State, led the game for most of the third overtime. However, a crucial turnover shifted momentum as they threw the ball away after securing a rebound from Baker-Mazara’s missed drive with just 10 seconds remaining. Rodney Rice seized the opportunity, retrieving the loose ball and launching it to Marsh, who made the decisive shot from nearly straightaway.

Rice also shined for USC, contributing 26 points and 9 assists, while Ezra Ausar added 22 points. Despite being dominated in rebounding—outrebounded 63-39 overall, including an astonishing 25-7 on the offensive glass—USC improved to 4-0 this season.

Troy’s Cooper Campbell emerged as a star, scoring a career-high 32 points, including 10 points in the final overtime alone. He also recorded 12 rebounds and 8 assists, showcasing his all-around performance. Teammates Victor Valdes (24 points), Theo Send (20 points), and Thomas Dowd (19 points, 12 rebounds) contributed significantly as well.

The game was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with 15 lead changes and neither team leading by more than five points in the first half, which ended in a 29-29 tie. Campbell’s clutch three-pointer with 7.8 seconds left in regulation forced the first overtime, tying the game at 68 after Rice’s last-second shot missed its mark.

Overtime proved just as thrilling, with Seng’s late baskets giving Troy a glimmer of hope. However, Baker-Mazara’s late-game heroics kept USC in the fight, ultimately leading to a nail-biting finish in the third overtime.

What’s Next: As USC celebrates this hard-fought victory, fans eagerly await their next matchup. The Trojans continue to build momentum, while Troy aims to rebound from this heartbreaking loss.

This electrifying game has already sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, with many eager to see how both teams will perform moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates as the college basketball season progresses!