USC Surges in Second Half to Hold Off Washington State, 68-61
The Southern California Trojans (USC) faced a stern challenge from the Washington State Cougars in a tightly contested non-conference showdown that tipped in favor of USC, 68-61, on Sunday. The game featured a balanced offensive effort from USC and a standout double-double from forward Jacob Cofie, who finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Despite a productive night for Cofie, the Trojans had to weather a persistent Washington State attack down the stretch to secure the win.
Key Performances Lift USC Past Washington State
Jacob Cofie anchored USC’s performance with efficient shooting, hitting 9-of-12 from the floor and spreading 10 boards across the 40 minutes. His ability to score inside and crash the glass provided a reliable scoring thread for USC in a contest that featured multiple lead changes. Cofie’s efficiency helped the Trojans maintain momentum when Washington State pressured defensively on the ball and in space.
Chad Baker-Mazara contributed 19 points for USC, delivering timely baskets and free throws as USC navigated a game marked by uneven shooting. Baker-Mazara was 4-of-11 from the floor and 0-for-5 from three-point range, yet he drew important fouls and converted critical opportunities at the line and in transition. His performance underscored USC’s depth in the backcourt and his willingness to attack the rim in high-leverage moments.
Washington State Fights to the End
Washington State relied on a relentless defensive effort and a few key runs to stay within striking distance. The Cougars trimmed gaps with timely baskets and forced USC into several contested possessions. While USC’s field-goal percentage reflected a hot night for Cofie and yardage from the supporting cast, Washington State’s defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, creating a tense finish that tested USC’s late-game execution.
Washington State’s offense found rhythm at times behind its own contributors, stringing together plays that kept the score within reach. The Cougars’ ability to push pace and convert in the half-court set kept the game competitive, emphasizing the importance of each possession in a contest expected to hinge on efficiency rather than quantity of attempts.
What This Win Means for USC
For USC, the win strengthens momentum heading into a challenging stretch of the schedule. The club demonstrated resilience, balancing a potent inside game with a capable perimeter attack. The performance by Cofie suggests USC can rely on him as a primary scoring option, especially when the team needs a bucket late in the shot clock. With Baker-Mazara providing scoring punch and gravity on defense, USC has a combination that can cause matchup problems for opponents as the season progresses.
Next Steps and Takeaways
Looking ahead, USC will aim to sustain the level of efficiency that carried them to victory today, while sharpening perimeter discipline given Baker-Mazara’s 0-for-5 night from beyond the arc. The coaching staff can highlight the value of offensive balance, stressing continued development from role players to maintain a robust attack in tighter games. For Washington State, the lesson lies in capitalizing on defensive stops and converting critical possessions when the game is within a handful of points.
Bottom Line
In a game that tested both teams’ resolve, USC’s collective performance—led by Cofie’s 21 points and 10 rebounds—proved decisive in a 68-61 victory over Washington State. The result adds a valuable win to USC’s early-season resume and provides a blueprint for closing out tight games as the schedule aggressively ramps up.
