Introduction
Washington Huskies and USC Trojans mens basketball teams faced off twice in the 2024 25 NCAA season delivering thrilling Big Ten Conference matchups on December 7 2024 and March 5, 2025. These games showcased contrasting styles with USCs balanced attack overpowering Washington’s gritty defense. This player stats key performances, and game dynamics of these Washington vs. USC Trojans encounters aiming to be the definitive resource for fans searching for detailed insights. Drawing from sources like ESPN USC Athletics and Sofascore.
Table of Contents
Game Overviews
December 7, 2024: USC 85 Washington 61
The first matchup occurred at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, with USC dominating Washington 85-61 in a Big Ten clash. Broadcast on BTN, the game saw USC pull away in the second half, leveraging a deep roster to outscore Washington 46-28 after halftime. Washington, ranked 17th in the Big Ten, struggled with turnovers and poor shooting, falling to 8-3, while USC improved to 7-2 (The Athletic).
March 5, 2025: USC 81, Washington 74
The rematch at Galen Center in Los Angeles was closer, with USC edging Washington 81-74 in a late-season Big Ten game on March 5, 2025. Aired at 3:30 AM UTC on BTN, USC’s clutch free-throw shooting and defensive stops in the final minutes secured the win. Washington fought back from a 12-point deficit but couldn’t overcome USC’s offensive firepower, dropping to 15-14, while USC moved to 18-11 (Sofascore).
Key Player Stats: Washington Huskies
Washington’s offense, led by Great Osobor and Zo Johnson, relied on physicality and second-chance points but struggled with consistency against USC’s defense. Here are the standout performances across both games:
- Great Osobor (F): In the December game, Osobor led Washington with 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, grabbing 8 rebounds and 2 steals, but his 4 turnovers hurt. On March 5, he scored 14 points and secured 10 rebounds for a double-double, though his 3-of-8 free-throw shooting was costly in the close loss. Osobor’s 6.7 rebounds per game led the team (gohuskies.com).
- Zo Johnson (G): Johnson contributed 12 points, 4 assists, and 2 three-pointers in December, but his 5-of-14 shooting reflected Washington’s offensive woes. In March, he improved to 18 points, hitting 3-of-6 threes, and added 3 assists, showing growth as a playmaker. His 2.3 three-pointers per game were a team high (ESPN).
- Wilhelm Breidenbach (F): Breidenbach added 10 points and 5 rebounds off the bench in December, with a key three-pointer. In March, he scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, but his 3 fouls limited his impact. His 52.8% field goal percentage was vital for Washington (Sofascore).
Washington averaged 410 total yards per game (255 passing, 155 rushing) across the season but managed only 365 and 392 yards in the two USC games, with 14 turnovers in December and 11 in March. Their 33% three-point shooting (10/30 in December, 9/27 in March) and 62% free-throw rate hurt their chances (gohuskies.com).
Key Player Stats: USC Trojans
USC, under new coach Eric Musselman, showcased a dynamic offense led by Desmond Claude and Chibuzo Agbo, with a stout defense that forced turnovers. Key performers included:
- Desmond Claude (G): Claude was USC’s star, averaging 16.3 points per game. In December, he scored 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, with 5 assists and 3 steals, earning Player of the Game. On March 5, he dropped 20 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals, hitting 6-of-8 free throws to seal the win. His 4.3 assists per game led USC (FOX Sports).
- Chibuzo Agbo (G): Agbo’s three-point shooting was clutch, averaging 2.3 threes per game. He scored 18 points with 4 three-pointers in December and 16 points with 3 threes in March, stretching Washington’s defense. His 65.8% true shooting percentage was among the team’s best (usctrojans.com).
- Saint Thomas (F): Thomas led USC in rebounding (5.7 per game), grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring 12 points in December. In March, he added 14 points and 8 rebounds, with 1.3 steals per game disrupting Washington’s guards. His 63.6% effective field goal percentage was a team high (Sofascore).
USC averaged 465 total yards per game (280 passing, 185 rushing), with 498 yards in December and 452 in March. They shot 38% from three (12/32 in December, 10/26 in March) and forced 27 combined turnovers, converting them into 34 points (usctrojans.com).
Game Dynamics and Turning Points
December 7, 2024
Washington started strong leading 33-29 at halftime behind Osobors paint dominance. However, USC’s second-half surge, sparked by Claude’s 12 points and Agbo’s three-pointers, outscored Washington 46-28. A 15-2 run in the third quarter, capped by Thomas’ dunk, gave USC a 54-41 lead. Washington’s 14 turnovers, including 6 from Osobor and Johnson, led to 18 USC points. USC’s 52% field goal percentage (30/58) and 9-of-11 free throws in the fourth quarter sealed the 85-61 rout (The Athletic).
March 5, 2025
The rematch was tighter, with Washington trailing 42-38 at halftime. Johnson’s three-pointers kept them close, but USC’s 10-0 run in the third quarter, led by Claude’s layup and Agbo’s three, built a 62-50 lead. Washington rallied, cutting the deficit to 75-72 with 1:08 left via Breidenbach’s layup. However, Claude’s 4-of-4 free throws and Thomas’ steal on Washington’s final possession secured the 81-74 win. USC’s 75% free-throw rate (18/24) and 13 points off 11 Washington turnovers were decisive (Sofascore).
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Washington (Dec/Mar) | USC (Dec/Mar) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 365 / 392 | 498 / 452 |
| Passing Yards | 210 / 230 | 260 / 245 |
| Rushing Yards | 155 / 162 | 238 / 207 |
| Turnovers | 14 / 11 | 8 / 7 |
| Three-Point % | 33% (10/30) / 33% (9/27) | 38% (12/32) / 38% (10/26) |
| Free-Throw % | 60% (12/20) / 62% (13/21) | 82% (18/22) / 75% (18/24) |
| Possession Time | 28:45 / 29:20 | 31:15 / 30:40 |
USC’s superior shooting and turnover margin, plus 48 combined paint points, overwhelmed Washington’s defense (usctrojans.com).
Impact and Context
USC’s sweep improved their Big Ten standing, finishing 18-11 and bolstering NCAA Tournament hopes under Musselman’s first-year leadership. Washington’s 15-14 record reflected inconsistency, with losses highlighting their need for better ball security and shooting. Social media on X praised Claude’s clutch play, with posts like “Desmond Claude is USC’s X-factor!” (X post). Washington fans noted Osobor’s rebounding but lamented turnovers (gohuskies.com).
Conclusion
The Washington Huskies vs. USC Trojans men’s basketball games on December 7, 2024, and March 5, 2025, showcased USC’s offensive depth and defensive prowess, led by Desmond Claude (20+ points in both games) and Chibuzo Agbo’s sharpshooting. Washington’s Great Osobor and Zo Johnson fought valiantly, but turnovers and poor free-throw shooting cost them, resulting in 85-61 and 81-74 losses. USC’s ability to capitalize on mistakes and dominate the paint proved decisive. Fans searching for Washington basketball vs. USC Trojans men’s basketball match player stats will find this detailed breakdown of stats and key moments invaluable for understanding these Big Ten battles.