This season has been challenging for the USC Trojans men’s basketball team. Under first-year head coach Eric Musselman, the Trojans have experienced both significant victories and tough losses, leading to uncertainty about their participation in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As of March 8, 2025, USC holds a 15–15 overall record and a 12-7 mark in Big Ten Conference play, placing them 13th in the conference standings.
Key players like Wesley Yates III and Desmond Claude have delivered notable performances, but inconsistency has been recurring. With a crucial game against UCLA on the horizon, the Trojans’ hopes for a March Madness berth hang in the balance.
By the Numbers-USC’s Tournament Resume
The USC team has experienced positive and negative results throughout the season. The Trojans started their season with a convincing 96–93 exhibition victory against Gonzaga, ranked sixth at the time. This victory demonstrated their strength against elite opponents. The regular season brought conflicting results as the team fell short in games against California 66–71 while also getting blown out by Saint Mary’s with a score of 36–71.
In conference play, the Trojans have struggled to find consistency. Despite a significant win against No. 7 Michigan State, they have suffered defeats against lower-ranked teams, including a 66–69 loss to Minnesota, in which they squandered a 14-point lead. Such “bad losses” weigh heavily in the eyes of the selection committee.
Metrics such as the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) and KenPom rankings are critical in assessing tournament viability. USC’s .500 record and mixed performances suggest they are on the tournament bubble. Their Quad 1 and Quad 2 records reflecting games against top-tier competition include impressive wins and detrimental losses, further muddying their tournament outlook.
Historically, teams with similar profiles have faced uncertain fates. For instance, in previous seasons, teams with comparable records and mixed performances against top competition have made and missed the tournament depending on factors like late-season momentum and conference tournament outcomes.
Current bracketology projections likely place USC on the bubble, with their fate hanging on to upcoming performances.
The Path Forward- What USC Needs to Do
USC’s remaining regular-season game is a pivotal matchup against crosstown rival UCLA at Pauley Pavilion. A victory here would bolster their resume with a quality win and provide momentum heading into the Big Ten Tournament.
The Trojans must aim for a deep run in the conference tournament to solidify their case for an NCAA bid. Securing at least two wins, particularly against higher-seeded teams, would enhance their profile significantly.
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Key players like Yates III and Claude have been instrumental in USC’s successes. Yates’ consistent scoring and Claude’s standout 30-point performance against Rutgers highlight their potential. However, depth remains a concern, as evidenced by games where only a few players scored in double figures. Role players must step up to improve their chances, and the team must maintain health and cohesion.
USC’s journey to March Madness is uncertain. Their inconsistent performances and 13th-place conference ranking have placed them squarely on the tournament bubble. A strong finish, including a win against UCLA and a deep conference tournament run, is imperative. While the unpredictability of March Madness leaves room for surprises, the Trojans must seize control of their destiny to secure a coveted NCAA Tournament spot.
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