USC can’t pull off second-half comeback in loss to No. 20 Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Rodney Rice scored 22 points, Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 20 and No. 20 Maryland beat USC 88-71 on Thursday night for its eighth win in nine games.

The Terrapins (21-6, 11-5 Big Ten) and Trojans (14-12, 6-9) met for the first time since 1990, when each was in a different conference. Maryland never trailed, opening each half with a flourish and keeping USC at bay.

Derik Queen had 13 points and 17 rebounds for the Terps. Wesley Yates III scored 21 for USC.

USC Sports

USC powerless against late Minnesota surge as its NCAA tourney hopes take a hit

USC men’s basketball saw its March Madness aspirations become more complicated after Minnesota pulls off a 69-66 comeback win at Galen Center.

Feb. 15, 2025

Maryland scored the game’s first 11 points and led 18-5 after a dunk by Jordan Geronimo. It was 37-27 at the half, and then the Terps began the second with a 15-5 run to double their advantage to 20.

Clark Slajchert came off the bench to make three three-pointers for the Trojans in the second half. USC cut the lead to six but got no closer.

Maryland’s starting five scored 85 of its 88 points.

Takeaways

×

USC: The Trojans have lost four of five. They lacked Maryland’s balance, with only Yates scoring more than 11 points.

Maryland: It’s probably too late for the Terps to win a share of the Big Ten title, but a bye to the quarterfinals of the conference tournament is in play. They’d need to finish in the top four, and this victory put them in a tie for fourth.

Key moment: USC coach Eric Musselman tried to slow Maryland’s quick start, calling a timeout after two quick three-pointers. But the Terps pushed the lead into double digits and the Trojans were playing catch-up the rest of the way.

Key stats: Maryland is 16-1 at home this season, with 13 straight wins.

Up next: USC plays at Rutgers on Sunday. Maryland returns Wednesday in a home clash with No. 14 Michigan State.