Los Angeles, CA – Despite a valiant second-half comeback, USC fell short against Ohio State, dropping an 87-82 battle at the Galen Center on Wednesday night. The Buckeyes (16-13, 8-10 Big Ten) built a commanding 52-36 halftime lead behind red-hot shooting, hitting 73% from the field and 88% from three in the first half. Micah Parrish and Bruce Thornton each tallied 20 points, while John Mobley Jr. added 18 to fuel Ohio State’s offense. USC (14-14, 6-11 Big Ten) fought back in the second half, led by Wesley Yates III’s game-high 27 points, and eventually tied the game at 80 with just over a minute remaining. However, a clutch three-point play by Devin Royal put the Buckeyes back in control, and Ohio State iced the game at the free-throw line.
The loss marks USC’s fourth straight defeat, despite strong performances from Chibuzo Agbo (17 points) and Rashaun Agee (12 points). The Trojans’ defense stepped up in the second half, holding Ohio State to just 33% shooting, but early turnovers and defensive lapses proved too costly. Up next, Ohio State hosts Nebraska on Tuesday, while USC travels to Oregon in search of a much-needed win.
Scroll down to view the game through photos captured by WCSM photographer Ben Becher.
Based in Los Angeles, California, Martin is a freelance photographer with Martin26Photos, specializing in sports and portrait photography. He has made a name for himself in Southern California’s sports photojournalism scene, covering local high school and college events as well as media days. With experience capturing high-profile Division 1 athletics, Martin aims to expand his work to professional sports in the near future.
