Freshman guard Alijah Arenas scored an acrobatic driving layup as time expired to cap a late comeback, lifting USC men’s basketball to a win over Penn State on Saturday at the Bryce Jordan Center.
USC erased a 12-point second-half deficit and survived a turnover-heavy opening half behind balanced scoring, timely perimeter shooting and late-game execution. The Trojans trailed 40–36 at halftime after surrendering 11 points off turnovers, but regrouped after the break to secure a critical 77-75 road win.
Penn State controlled much of the first half, capitalizing on USC mistakes and winning the battle in the paint early. The Nittany Lions forced six turnovers in the first half and converted consistently in transition. Redshirt junior guard Freddie Dilione V and senior forward Josh Reed combined for 23 first-half points, helping Penn State take a 40-36 lead into the locker room despite USC shooting 50% from the field.
Coming out of the break, Penn State extended its lead to 50-38 following a Dilione dunk, marking the largest lead of the game. Midway through the second half, USC began to chip away with a 14-2 run fueled by improved ball movement and defensive pressure. Graduate guard Kam Woods’ free throw at the 10:56 mark gave USC its first lead of the second half, 56–55.
With six minutes remaining, USC built its largest lead at 64–58, after another Woods layup, but Penn State answered with timely baskets from freshman forward Ivan Jurić and freshman guard Kayden Mingo to keep the game within one possession.
The final minutes tightened as Penn State steadily closed the gap. In the last 12 seconds, Penn State tied the game at 75–75 on a Dilione layup before Arenas delivered the decisive basket at the horn.
Arenas finished with 24 points and sealed the win with composure, while Ausar and Woods provided consistent interior and transition scoring. USC shot 48% from the field and won the rebounding battle 34-31, offsetting 15 turnovers.
“It was a great team win — a win on the road,” Arenas said postgame. “Can’t complain about nothing.”
This result added another road win to USC’s resume as the Trojans continue their push toward competing in the NCAA Tournament. Next, USC will head to Columbus to conclude its East Coast road trip against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Wednesday, February 8.