USC’s Transfer Class Shines in Triple-OT Win Ahead of Maui Invitational

Image Credit: Francisco Rodriguez/Latino Sports

LOS ANGELES, CA — In a battle of the Trojans, USC Men’s Basketball escaped with a thrilling 107–106 triple-overtime victory over Troy Thursday night, capped by a stunning buzzer-beater made by transfer junior guard Jordan Marsh to give USC an emotional 4–0 start to the season.

Marsh Delivers An Iconic Early Moment

With USC trailing 106–104 in the final seconds of the third period of overtime, Maryland transfer Rodney Rice stole a loose inbound pass and found Marsh, who buried the game-winning three.

Marsh finished with six points, five assists and one rebound on 2-of-4 shooting—an early defining moment for the former UNC Asheville standout, who averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season.

“When I was shooting the ball, I thought, dang, it’s over with,” Marsh said of his game-winning shot. “I thought he was going to tip it, or I was going to hit the backboard. But God came through, and I’m just thankful we got the win.”

Chad’s Memorable Night

Chad Baker-Mazara, of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, who transferred from Auburn this past spring, delivered a dominant performance with 34 points, nine rebounds and two assists on 10-of-22 shooting. His 34 points, nine rebounds, as well as five blocks marked career highs for the graduate wing. 

Furthermore, the last USC Trojan to score 34 points in a game before Thursday night was OJ Mayo on January 3, 2008. 

Adding to the emotional night, Baker-Mazara’s parents surprised him by flying in from their homeland of the Dominican Republic, making his career performance even more meaningful.

“It was extremely special,” he said in the postgame. “My family surprised me, and they had just come from the D.R. So it was really exciting, you know, being able to see them here. And it’s funny because my big brother and I were talking about how I’ve been in college for a long time and I’ve never had a 30 ball, so this is really exciting, being able to accomplish that with my family.”

Transfers Fuel USC’s Early Success

On top of Baker-Mazara’s dominance, Rice and former Utah forward Ezra Ausar combined for 48 points, giving USC major production from its newcomers once again.

Despite the dramatic win to move to 4-0, the Trojans know they need to tighten up. USC surrendered 25 offensive rebounds and missed key free throws, allowing Troy to erase an 11-point second-half deficit and push the game into three overtimes.

With the size added through the portal, second-chance points remain an immediate focus.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Maui Invitational

USC now heads Hawaii for the 2025 Maui Invitational, opening Monday, November 24th against Boise State (tip-off at 2:00PM PT on ESPN2). As it will be USC’s third appearance in the event and first since 2012, the field includes Arizona State, Chaminade, NC State, Seton Hall, Texas, and Washington State. 

With a Maui Invitational lacking the usual powerhouse programs, the tournament offers coach Eric Musselman and the Trojans a chance to make an early-season statement.

“I’ve coached in Maui, it’s an intense environment,” USC head coach Eric Musselman noted. “Games will be sold out, it’s loud, it’s in a compact, unique arena, and you’ve got to be able to play through high-pressure situations because of the TV network that covers it.”

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