USC Struggles to Recover as Season Slips Away

The USC Trojans’ promising season has unraveled, culminating in an 89-68 loss to UCLA that extended their losing streak to seven games. Once a team on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament, USC now finds itself on the outside looking in, with their late-season collapse raising questions about what went wrong.

Head coach Eric Musselman addressed the recent struggles, attributing much of the team’s slide to injuries that have plagued the roster all season. According to Musselman, the Trojans have been “the most injured team in college basketball,” pointing to a string of key absences that hampered continuity and performance.

Players have also felt the strain of adversity. Senior Terrance Williams, one of the few consistent contributors, noted that the team has struggled to stay cohesive in the face of repeated setbacks. “We just have to stay together,” Williams said. “I feel like when adversity hits, sometimes we tend to go our separate ways. We’ve got to just stick together, man.”

Despite the current slump, Musselman believes the team’s core is talented enough to compete at a high level. “We feel this is an NCAA tournament team if we were healthy,” he said. “We have no doubt that it was — or would be.” However, with USC’s record now far from where it once was, the Trojans will need a late-season turnaround to salvage postseason hopes.

1. Injuries Take a Heavy Toll

USC’s roster has been decimated by injuries throughout the season, affecting their ability to compete consistently. Alijah Arenas was sidelined until the end of January, while Rodney Rice has been out since November. Additionally, Desmond Clause and Wesley Yates have both missed significant time, further disrupting team chemistry. The loss of key contributors has forced others into expanded roles, often without enough time to adjust. The team’s rotation has been inconsistent, and players like Terrance Williams have carried a heavier load than expected. This imbalance contributed to USC’s uneven play and late-season collapses. The Trojans also faced off-court disruptions, including the dismissal of Chad Baker-Mazara. These factors compounded the challenges of maintaining cohesion during a grueling schedule, leaving USC vulnerable during critical games. Musselman stressed that the injuries are not an excuse, but a reality that has hindered the team. “It’s not an excuse. It’s a fact,” he said, underscoring the depth of the obstacles USC has faced. Despite this, he maintains that the team’s talent would have been sufficient to make a postseason run under healthier circumstances.

2. From Contenders to a Struggling Squad

USC began the season with strong performances, at one point holding an 18-6 record and generating buzz as a tournament-caliber team. However, the last seven games have been a stark contrast, with the Trojans unable to stay competitive in most contests. Only two of those seven losses came within ten points, highlighting the magnitude of their struggles. The late-season collapse has been jarring for fans and analysts alike. According to ESPN Bracketology, USC now sits completely outside of tournament consideration, a dramatic fall from the team many expected to be in the field. Consistency has been elusive as younger and less experienced players are forced into bigger roles due to injuries. The lack of rhythm and cohesion has made it difficult to execute on both ends of the court, leading to lopsided losses and mounting frustration. Musselman remains focused on perspective, noting that the team’s overall talent still positions them as a strong squad. Yet, the numbers tell a different story, and the Trojans will need a series of wins to restore confidence and competitiveness as the postseason approaches.

3. Eyes on the Big Ten Tournament

USC’s focus now shifts to the Big Ten Tournament, where a strong showing could help salvage what has been a disappointing finish. The Trojans will face Washington in the second round on March 11, with a win setting up a matchup against Wisconsin the following day. While the path is challenging, Musselman and the team see an opportunity to prove themselves despite the losing streak. The tournament format offers a chance for a fresh start and the ability to gain momentum heading into March Madness. Players like Terrance Williams will need to lead both on and off the court, keeping the roster united and focused. With the team’s health gradually improving, USC hopes to show flashes of the talent that made them contenders earlier in the season. Even if a deep run remains unlikely, the tournament provides a platform to build toward next season, reinforcing experience for younger players and testing the resilience of the team. For USC, it is a chance to end the season with a sense of accomplishment despite the challenges they faced.