The highly anticipated Oregon USC basketball matchup is here, marking the start of Big Ten Conference play. This pivotal game features the Oregon Ducks hosting the No. 24 USC Trojans on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Matthew Knight Arena, making it significant sports news for college basketball enthusiasts. This Oregon USC basketball contest is crucial for both programs as they begin their journey in the competitive Big Ten basketball landscape.
Oregon Ducks Basketball: Facing Challenges in Big Ten Play
Oregon enters this challenging Oregon USC basketball game with a 4-3 record, aiming to end a three-game losing skid that began with a winless showing in Las Vegas, including losses at the Players Era Festival. The team’s recent performance highlights the urgent need for a strong showing. This is a trending topic in college sports. As the Ducks navigate their second season in the Big Ten, they face new hurdles, including increased travel demands which have been a point of concern for athletes. Nevertheless, the Oregon Ducks basketball roster boasts considerable talent, led by the program’s winningest coach, Dana Altman, now in his 16th season.
Key Players for Oregon in the Oregon USC Basketball Clash
Leading the charge for Oregon in this significant Oregon USC basketball game is 7-foot center Nate Bittle. Bittle’s stats are impressive, averaging 16.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a team-high 2.3 blocks per game. Guard Jackson Shelstad is another vital contributor, scoring 15.7 points and dishing out 5.2 assists per contest. Shelstad’s accolades include Third Team All-Big Ten and a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team. Takai Simpson and Kwame Evans Jr. also consistently score in double figures for the Oregon Ducks basketball team.
USC Trojans Basketball: Undefeated and Ranked
The USC Trojans basketball squad arrives at this Oregon USC basketball matchup with an unblemished 7-0 record, showcasing their dominance this season. Their recent victory at the Southwest Maui Invitational, including a championship win over Arizona State, underscores their strength. Currently ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll and 26th in KenPom ratings, USC boasts a formidable offense and defense, averaging nearly 92 points per game. Their prowess makes this Oregon USC basketball game a true test for the Ducks.
USC’s Offensive Firepower in Big Ten Basketball
The USC Trojans basketball offensive attack is spearheaded by talented guards. Rodney Rice is a standout, averaging 20.3 points and 6.0 assists per game. Chad Baker-Mazara also matches Rice’s scoring output with 20.3 points per game, along with 5.4 rebounds, and notably scored 23 points in the Maui Invitational final. Jacob Cofie contributes 9.7 points, leading the team with 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. Ezra Ausar adds significant scoring punch, averaging 17.4 points and shooting nearly 70% from the floor. Eric Musselman is guiding the Trojans in his second season.
USC vs Oregon History and Series Edge
Historically, the Oregon USC basketball series has favored the Ducks. Oregon holds the advantage, having won the last five matchups against USC and seven of the last ten meetings. This USC vs Oregon history adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming Big Ten basketball opener.
This game serves as USC’s Big Ten opener and Oregon’s conference debut, with USC entering as a 1.5-point favorite and the total points set at 155.5. Oregon is eager to snap its losing streak and begin conference play with a crucial victory. USC, conversely, aims to maintain its perfect record and validate its ranking in this high-stakes Oregon USC basketball showdown. This matchup is essential college basketball preview content, setting the stage for both teams in the Big Ten and impacting early conference standings. Fans eagerly await this exciting game, a must-watch for any follower of college basketball.
