USC vs Washington

Event Preview

Overview

The USC Trojans are set to face the Washington Huskies in a Big Ten Conference matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 PM PST (Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM EEST). The game will take place at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. This contest marks the first time these two teams will compete as members of the Big Ten Conference, adding an extra layer of excitement to the rivalry. (usctrojans.com)

Season Snapshot

Both teams have shown strong performances early in the season. USC enters the game with an 8-0 record, including a 1-0 start in Big Ten play after an 82-77 road victory against Oregon. Washington holds a 4-1 record, with a 0-1 mark in the conference following a 69-58 loss to UCLA. (si.com)

Recent Form

USC has demonstrated consistent form, maintaining an undefeated streak. Their recent win against Oregon showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Washington, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from their recent loss to UCLA, aiming to leverage their home-court advantage to regain momentum. (reuters.com)

Talking Points

Big Ten Debut: How will the Trojans and Huskies adjust to their new conference environment?
Home-Court Advantage: Can Washington capitalize on playing at home to secure a crucial conference win?
Key Transfers: The impact of Desmond Claude's transfer from USC to Washington—how will he perform against his former team? (reuters.com)
Injury Watch: Updates on Rodney Rice's availability for USC—how will his potential absence affect the Trojans' lineup? (si.com)
Defensive Strategies: Which team will implement a more effective defensive scheme to control the game's tempo?

Players to Watch

Desmond Claude (Washington): The senior guard, a transfer from USC, is expected to make a significant impact against his former team. (reuters.com)
Rodney Rice (USC): The junior guard has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury; his status for the game is uncertain. (si.com)
Wesley Yates III (Washington): A key contributor for the Huskies, averaging 15.3 points per game, Yates III will be pivotal in Washington's offensive strategy. (foxsports.com)
Chad Baker-Mazara (USC): Leading the Trojans with 18.7 points per game, Baker-Mazara's scoring ability will be crucial for USC's success. (foxsports.com)

Key Matchups & Storylines

Desmond Claude vs. USC Defense: Claude's familiarity with USC's defensive schemes could give him an edge, but the Trojans' defense will be keen to limit his impact.
Rodney Rice's Potential Absence: If Rice is unavailable, USC will need to adjust their offensive and defensive strategies to compensate for his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Wesley Yates III vs. USC's Backcourt: Yates III's scoring prowess will test USC's perimeter defense, especially if Rice is sidelined.
Chad Baker-Mazara vs. Washington's Defense: Baker-Mazara's offensive skills will challenge Washington's defensive schemes, particularly in the absence of a key defender.

Fun Facts

Desmond Claude's Transfer: Claude's move from USC to Washington adds a personal rivalry element to the game. (reuters.com)
USC's Undefeated Start: The Trojans' 8-0 record is their best start in recent years, highlighting their strong team cohesion.
Washington's Home-Court Record: The Huskies have a strong home-court advantage, having won their last three home games.
Big Ten Rivalry: This game marks the first Big Ten matchup between USC and Washington, setting the stage for future conference rivalries.

Things to Chirp About

"How will Desmond Claude perform against his former team?"
"Is Rodney Rice playing tonight? How does his absence affect USC?"
"Can Washington capitalize on their home-court advantage to upset the Trojans?"
"Which team will adjust better to the Big Ten environment?"

Prediction

While both teams have shown strong performances early in the season, USC's undefeated record and recent win against Oregon suggest they have the momentum. However, Washington's home-court advantage and the potential impact of Desmond Claude could make this a closely contested game. The outcome may hinge on the availability of Rodney Rice and how both teams adapt to the Big Ten competition.