In a dramatic triple-overtime thriller, USC narrowly edged out Troy with a 107-106 victory on Thursday night. Chad Baker-Mazara shone brightly with a career-best 34 points, but it was Jordan Marsh’s clutch 3-pointer at the buzzer that sealed the win for USC.
Troy, fresh from a thrilling 108-107 double-overtime win against San Diego State, held the lead throughout the third overtime. However, a crucial turnover occurred when they mishandled a rebound from Baker-Mazara’s missed drive with about 10 seconds remaining. Rodney Rice seized the opportunity by retrieving the loose ball and passing it to Marsh, who then dribbled and launched the decisive shot.
Rice contributed significantly with 26 points and nine assists, while Ezra Ausar added 22 points for USC (4-0), despite being outrebounded 63-39 overall and 25-7 on the offensive boards.
For Troy (4-3), Cooper Campbell achieved a career-high of 32 points, including 10 in the third overtime, along with 12 rebounds and eight assists. Campbell’s sharp shooting was evident as he made six 3-pointers, including crucial ones that set the stage for the final overtime. Victor Valdes chipped in with 24 points, Theo Seng had 20, and Thomas Dowd recorded 19 points with 12 rebounds.
Campbell’s pivotal 3-pointer from deep on the right wing tied the game at 68 with 7.8 seconds left in regulation, sending the game into overtime. Rice’s attempt at a game-winner from the foul line fell short as the buzzer sounded.
The first overtime saw a similar pattern, with Seng’s late layups leveling the score at 78. USC’s long attempt to win was off the mark. Seng’s basket at the start of the second overtime gave Troy their first lead since late in the first half. Baker-Mazara kept USC in the game with eight points, but Dowd’s contested shot tied it at 89, forcing yet another overtime period.
Throughout the first half, both teams struggled offensively, ending with a 29-29 tie. The game was closely contested with 15 lead changes and neither team managing a lead larger than five points.
Up Next
Troy is set to face Toledo on Monday in Ft. Myers, Florida, as part of the Coconut Hoops multi-team tournament. USC will compete against Boise State on Monday in the Maui Invitational.
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