No. 8 Maryland suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 79-74 to No. 4 USC, despite being undefeated before the matchup.
Maryland was leading 72-70 with under three minutes left, but USC rallied and outperformed them in the closing minutes. JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen were crucial in the final moments, giving USC the edge with free throws and key plays.
Even though Watkins fouled out, USC sealed the win with clutch free throws from Avery Howell and Iriafen.
Maryland’s fate was sealed as they missed five consecutive field goal attempts during the crucial stretch.
USC’s key players, including Watkins, Iriafen, and Marshall, put in big performances to secure the victory. Freshmen Heckel and Howell also made significant contributions with 10 points each.
Despite the loss, Maryland had a strong showing on paper with impressive performances from Sellers, Smikle, and Dalce.
A breakdown of the Trojans vs. Terps battle
Maryland started strong with an early lead, but USC closed the gap towards the end of the first quarter. The game remained close with USC trailing by just two points entering the second quarter.
USC took the lead in the second quarter and maintained a slim margin going into halftime. The game remained competitive with both teams exchanging baskets.
In the third quarter, Maryland made a comeback, taking a four-point lead. However, USC responded quickly to tie the game at 58 going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw back-and-forth action, with Maryland briefly holding a two-point lead before USC rallied to take control. USC closed out the game strong, denying Maryland any chances to regain the lead.
Key takeaways
While Maryland struggled late in the game, USC’s strong defense and key performances from players like Iriafen made a difference. USC’s ability to capitalize on crucial moments secured the win.
Maryland’s guards showcased their talent, but the team fell short in crucial moments. Winning the rebounding battle could have been a defining factor in the outcome of the game.
Both teams displayed potential for a bright future, but USC’s sharp performance gave them the edge in this matchup.
