Chad Baker-Mazara Ignites USC’s Comeback Win Over Seton Hall in Maui Thriller

Chad Baker-Mazara delivered a heroic second-half performance for the USC Trojans. His clutch plays secured an 83-81 victory against Seton Hall. The win came in the Maui Invitational semifinals on November 25.

USC remained undefeated after the nail-biting contest. The Trojans advanced to the championship game against Arizona State. This victory was a true test of the team’s depth and resilience.

USC Overcomes Adversity After Key Injury

The Trojans faced a major setback when Rodney Rice left the game. Rice had scored 13 consecutive first-half points. His shoulder injury could have derailed the team’s momentum.

USC was trailing 46-44 when Rice departed the game. Seton Hall appeared poised to take control. The Pirates entered the contest with a perfect 6-0 record themselves.

Baker-Mazara and Ezra Ausar refused to let the game slip away. They combined for 31 points after halftime. Their efforts fueled a remarkable comeback in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Baker-Mazara’s Explosive Second-Half Takeover

Baker-Mazara immediately took charge following Rice’s exit. He scored 12 points in a critical five-minute stretch. This outburst sparked a decisive 10-0 run for the Trojans.

His three-pointer capped the run, putting USC ahead 63-57. The lead provided crucial breathing room against a tough Seton Hall defense. Baker-Mazara finished the game with 18 points.

Sixteen of his points came in the second half. His performance demonstrated impressive composure under pressure. According to Associated Press game statistics, his efficiency was a key factor.

Late-Game Drama and Championship Berth

Seton Hall mounted a fierce counter-attack in the final minutes. AJ Staton-McCray tied the game with a three-pointer. Only one minute remained on the clock.

Baker-Mazara returned to the spotlight in the closing seconds. He calmly sank two free throws with just 27.4 seconds left. These shots put USC ahead for good.

Jordan Marsh added two more free throws to seal the 83-81 victory. The Trojans improved their record to 6-0. They now prepare for the Maui Invitational championship game.

Chad Baker-Mazara’s emergence as a clutch performer gives USC a new weapon for its championship aspirations. His ability to deliver under pressure signals a promising trajectory for the undefeated Trojans.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was the leading scorer for USC against Seton Hall?

Ezra Ausar led the Trojans with a season-high 25 points. He was aggressive driving to the basket throughout the game. Ausar also made 15 of his 19 free throw attempts.

How did Rodney Rice get injured?

Rice suffered an apparent upper arm and shoulder injury. He had been dominant with 13 first-half points before exiting. The team has not yet provided a detailed update on his condition.

What was the significance of this victory for USC?

The win preserved USC’s perfect 6-0 record this season. It also secured their spot in the Maui Invitational championship game. The comeback demonstrated the team’s resilience without a key scorer.

How did Seton Hall perform in the game?

Seton Hall had three players score in double figures. Adam Clark led the Pirates with 18 points. The team fought hard but fell just short in the final seconds.

Who will USC face in the championship game?

The Trojans will play Arizona State for the Maui Invitational title. The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday. Both teams will be competing for the prestigious tournament trophy.