USC Basketball: Offensive Surge Redefines Season

The USC Trojans men's basketball program is defying expectations in the most electrifying way possible. After losing two high-end scorers from last season's roster, conventional wisdom dictated that head coach Eric Musselman's team would need to lean heavily on defense to remain competitive. Instead, through the early weeks of the 2025-2026 campaign, USC has unleashed an offensive juggernaut that's rewriting narratives and turning heads.

Offensive Explosion

The most staggering evidence of USC's transformation came during a 114-point demolition of Manhattan College on November 14th. This wasn't just a victory—it was a statement. According to official USC statistics, it marked the highest single-game output for the program since 1998—a year so distant that it coincided with UCLA's last football conference championship. As Trojans Wire's Adam Bradford noted, the offensive firepower stands in stark contrast to the team's exhibition victories, which were primarily secured through defensive prowess.

"The game was a stark contrast from USC's two preseason exhibition games, both of which the Trojans won primarily with their defense. With it still being early in the season, it will be interesting to watch which style of play becomes the norm for the team."

— Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire

While the early-season schedule hasn't featured elite competition, the sheer volume and efficiency of USC's offense suggest a fundamental shift in the team's identity. Musselman's system appears perfectly tailored to unlock the potential of this roster, with players stepping up to fill the scoring void left by departed stars.

The Sustainability Question

As impressive as the offensive numbers are, a critical question looms: Can this pace and firepower be sustained against stiffer competition? The upcoming matchup against Illinois State at the Intuit Dome serves as the first real test of this new-look Trojans offense. While the Redbirds aren't a powerhouse, they present a more athletic and complex defensive scheme than USC has faced thus far.

The Intuit Dome setting adds another layer of intrigue. The modern venue, known for its electric atmosphere and pristine playing conditions, provides a stage for USC to prove its offensive bona fides. A strong performance here would signal that the Trojans aren't just feasting on weaker opponents but are genuinely building a sustainable offensive identity.

What's Next for USC?

If the offensive surge continues, USC could emerge as one of the surprise contenders in the competitive Pac-12. Musselman's reputation for maximizing offensive talent—evident during his successful stints at Nevada and Arkansas—suggests he's engineered a system that could elevate this roster beyond preseason projections. However, the true test will come when conference play intensifies against teams like Arizona, UCLA, and Oregon.

For now, though, Trojans fans are witnessing something special. The offensive renaissance is early, but the signs are undeniably promising. As USC prepares for Illinois State, the basketball world watches to see if this offensive revolution is just a flash in the pan or the dawn of a new era in Los Angeles.