Chad Baker-Mazara scores 25 as USC beats Oregon 82-77, stays unbeaten in Big Ten opener

Chad Baker-Mazara scored 25 points to lead No. 24 USC to an 82-77 victory over Oregon in the Trojans’ Big Ten conference opener. The win kept USC unbeaten at 8-0 on the season in one of college basketball’s most impressive early-season starts. The game was played at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene on December 2, 2025.

Baker-Mazara Delivers in Big Ten Debut

Chad Baker-Mazara took control early, showcasing the same dominant form that earned him tournament MVP honors at the Maui Invitational. The 6-foot-7 senior forward displayed versatility with 25 points, combining strong scoring with solid all-around play. Baker-Mazara’s performance provided the offensive engine USC needed against a competitive Oregon team fighting for bowl positioning.

The game stayed tight throughout, with Matthew Knight Arena providing a challenging road environment. USC’s ability to execute down the stretch proved crucial, with Baker-Mazara making key plays when it mattered most. His scoring burst in critical moments helped the Trojans weather Oregon’s resilience and secure the conference opener victory.

USC Offensive Balance Powers Unbeaten Start

The Trojans weren’t reliant solely on Baker-Mazara’s scoring prowess. Jalen Cofie contributed 17 points, providing secondary scoring that kept Oregon’s defense honest. Ezra Ausar added 13 points and 9 rebounds, giving USC the interior presence needed to control the boards and dictate play.

This balanced attack reflects USC’s strength heading into Big Ten play—multiple scoring options that make the defense’s job exponentially harder. The Trojans have proven capable of winning in different ways, combining efficient perimeter shooting with strong interior play.

Road Victory Sets Tone for Big Ten Conference Play

Team	Final Score	Leading Scorer
USC	82	Baker-Mazara 25 pts
Oregon	77	Game played at Eugene

Winning on the road in conference play is never easy, and USC made a statement in Matthew Knight Arena. The Trojans entered Big Ten conference play as one of just 25 undefeated teams remaining in college basketball this season. The victory over Oregon demonstrates their ability to handle high-pressure situations and execute against tournament-caliber opponents.

USC’s balanced scoring and strong defensive execution proved too much for Oregon to overcome in the clutch moments. The 5-point victory margin may not seem dominant, but it represents a championship-level road win against a Pac-12 opponent making the conference transition.

Baker-Mazara’s Momentum Continues

Chad Baker-Mazara entered Eugene riding high after his MVP performance in Maui, where he led the Trojans to the invitational championship just five days earlier. The Dominican-born senior continues his impressive transfer journey, establishing himself as the face of USC’s elite 2025-26 season. His 25-point outing against Oregon adds another chapter to what’s shaping up as a career-defining year.

Baker-Mazara’s ability to step up in pressure moments provides USC coach Andy Enfield confidence heading deeper into December and beyond. The combination of scoring efficiency, basketball IQ, and leadership has transformed the Trojans into legitimate national title contenders just eight games into the season.

What Does This Victory Mean for USC’s Big Ten Season?

USC’s 1-0 conference start establishes momentum as they navigate their inaugural Big Ten season. The road victory over Oregon signals that the Trojans can compete with traditional powerhouses and tournament-caliber teams. Entering the season unbeaten and exiting conference play undefeated positions USC as a serious tournament seeding contender heading into January conference matchups.

With Baker-Mazara leading the way and supported by contributors like Cofie and Ausar, the Trojans appear positioned to make a long tournament run. The win in Eugene proves this isn’t a Cinderella story—this is a legitimate basketball program operating at championship level, ready to compete for Big Ten supremacy and NCAA Tournament glory.

“USC’s balanced attack and road success in conference play demonstrates they’re ready to compete for Big Ten honors and make deep tournament runs.”

— College Basketball Analysts, Major Sports Networks

Sources

• CBS Sports – Live scoring and box score data from USC vs. Oregon game tracker
• ESPN – Official game recap and final statistics from December 2, 2025 matchup
• AP News – Breaking coverage of USC’s Big Ten conference opener victory