Chad Baker-Mazara erupted in the second half last night, leading the undefeated USC Trojans to a thrilling 83-81 victory over Seton Hall in the Maui Invitational semifinals in Lahaina, Hawaii. Baker-Mazara and Ezra Ausar combined for 31 second-half points, sparking an incredible comeback after the Trojans lost their leading scorer to injury. The dramatic finish secured USC’s spot in the championship game against Arizona State.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: USC 83, Seton Hall 81 at Maui Invitational semifinal on November 25, 2025
- Baker-Mazara’s Performance: Scored 18 points with 16 coming after halftime, including clutch free throws with 27.4 seconds remaining
- Ausar’s Dominance: Season-high 25 points and 15 of 19 free throws for USC (6-0)
- Game Changer: Rodney Rice’s shoulder injury with 13 first-half points opened the door for Baker-Mazara’s second-half explosion
Chad Baker-Mazara Steps Up After Rodney Rice Injury
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The Trojans faced adversity early when leading scorer Rodney Rice went down with an apparent upper arm and shoulder injury in the second half. Rice had scored 13 straight points in the first half, including three 3-pointers, helping USC recover from a 13-point deficit to trail just 42-38 at halftime. His absence appeared to shift momentum toward undefeated Seton Hall (6-1).
When Rice departed trailing 46-44, the Trojans seemed vulnerable on their road to defending their offensive edge. Instead, Baker-Mazara seized the moment and delivered one of the tournament’s most impressive individual performances.
Baker-Mazara’s Second-Half Takeover Sparks Comeback
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Chad Baker-Mazara scored 12 crucial points over the next five minutes after Rice’s exit, igniting a 10-0 run that put USC ahead 63-57 with 12 minutes remaining. The 6-foot-7 guard from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, made his presence felt both inside and out. His three-pointer capped off the explosive run and provided the cushion USC desperately needed.
Baker-Mazara never let Seton Hall regain control despite fierce resistance from the Pirates. Ausar complemented his teammate’s dominance by attacking the rim relentlessly, drawing fouls and converting 15 of 19 free throws. The veteran forward’s 25-point output and consistent executing in crucial moments proved instrumental in keeping USC undefeated.
Late-Game Drama and Free Throw Heroics
| Final Quarter Events | Details |
| Seton Hall Momentum | AJ Staton-McCray tied game with 3-pointer with 1 minute left |
| Baker-Mazara’s Clutch Free Throws | Made two free throws with 27.4 seconds to put USC ahead for good |
| Closing Moments | Jordan Marsh sealed it with pair of free throws with 1.4 seconds remaining |
| Seton Hall Scoring Leaders | Adam Clark 18 pts, Staton-McCray 17 pts, Mike Williams III 13 pts |
Seton Hall refused to surrender despite trailing late. Adam Clark’s 18 points and Staton-McCray’s 17-point effort kept the Pirates competitive throughout the semifinal matchup. However, USC’s superior execution down the stretch and Baker-Mazara’s poise under pressure made the difference in the two-point thriller.
What This Victory Means for Undeaten USC
The Trojans advance to face Arizona State in the championship game on Wednesday while maintaining their perfect 6-0 record. This victory proved USC can overcome adversity and win without their leading scorer being fully healthy. Meanwhile, Seton Hall will compete for third place against Washington State after falling just short in the semifinal battle.
Baker-Mazara’s 18 points and clutch free-throw shooting demonstrated star potential when the team needed it most. Combining 31 second-half points between Baker-Mazara and Ausar proved to be the winning formula against a dangerous Seton Hall team that came in undefeated. This performance could serve as a launching pad for Baker-Mazara’s prominence in USC’s tournament run.
Does This Second-Half Performance Signal Chad Baker-Mazara as a Tournament Star?
Baker-Mazara’s explosive second half raises an important question heading into the championship game. His ability to score in bunches, create advantages against taller defenses, and execute under extreme pressure suggests he could become a central figure in USC’s tournament success. The way he took control when Rice exited proved his readiness for big moments.
The Trojans will need this version of Baker-Mazara against Arizona State to capture the Maui Invitational title. If he continues playing with this level of aggression and confidence, USC’s championship aspirations look extremely bright.
Watch: Game Highlights
Sources
- CBS Sports – Real-time coverage of USC vs. Seton Hall final score and game recap
- AP News – Official Associated Press game report with verified player statistics
- ESPN – Detailed box score and game analysis including player performances
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.