Freshman Alijah Arenas delivered a breakout performance in just his fifth collegiate game for the USC Trojans, scoring a career-high 29 points to lead his team to an 81-75 victory over Indiana. The game served as a welcome-back party for Arenas, who had missed the start of the season due to a meniscus tear and a car accident.
His 19-point explosion in the second half was the catalyst for the win where he hit a fadeaway jumper and a euro step layup through traffic to seal the deal. He electrified the Galen Center crowed and tied his father Gilbert Arenas’ freshman scoring record following this outing.
Alijah’s mother, Laura Govan, who has been a constant presence through his recovery and return to the court, took to social media to celebrate the milestone. In a highlight reel of Alijah’s game against Indiana, Govan commented,
“That’s My baby ❤️❤️❤️”
While the basketball world focused on the statistical symmetry between Alijah and his dad, Laura’s message focused on the personal triumph of her son overcoming physical and mental hurdles to shine on the Big Ten stage.
What Happened to Alijah Arenas That Made Him Miss Half of His Freshman Season?
Alijah Arenas got into a car accident caused by a mechanical malfunction in his Tesla Cybertruck. Gilbert Arenas stated that the steering wheel went limp while Alijah was driving, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into a fire hydrant and a tree. The situation became particularly dangerous when the truck caught fire.
Gilbert Arenas highlighted that the Cybertruck’s bulletproof windows hindered rescue efforts, making it difficult for bystanders to break the glass. Alijah was eventually pulled to safety by a witness who managed to bend a cracked window frame enough to extract him form the burning vehicle.
The crash, which occurred in May 2025, combined with a meniscus tear to keep Alijah sidelined for approximately eight months. He missed the entire offseason and the first half of his freshman campaign at USC, eventually making his return to the court in early 2026. This extended recovery period meant he didn’t log his first significant minutes until conference play, culminating in his breakout performance in just his fifth career game in February.
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