MAUI, Hawaii — On a sun-slick Monday afternoon at the Lahaina Civic Center, where trade winds whisper more than cheers, USC and Boise State served up a defensive slugfest that felt every bit like a Round of 64 preview. In the end, the Trojans escaped with a 70–67 win in the Southwest Maui Invitational — a gritty, gutsy performance that keeps USC perfect at 5-0 under head coach Eric Musselman. The Broncos, meanwhile, drop to 4-2, but they’ve earned serious respect for how far they’ve come since a rough D-II loss opened their season.
Defense First, Drama Always
This was not a showcase of lightning-fast, back-and-forth fireworks — this was chess in sneakers. USC leaned into its defense, holding Boise State to just 5-for-25 (20%) from three-point range, per their own box score. Every possession mattered, every rebound was contested, every turnover felt like a potential swing.
Boise State, under coach Leon Rice, didn’t back down. The Broncos battled for 36 total rebounds to USC’s 31, and their physicality on the boards nearly tilted the game in their favor. They didn’t shoot the lights out, but they stayed in it by grinding, making the Trojans work for every point.
The Other Rice Takes Over
When the game hung in the balance late, Rodney Rice stepped up big for USC. He scored 27 points, the most he’s put up all season, and did so with poise. He attacked the paint in crunch time, split defenders at the top of the key, drew contact, nailed a runner and converted the three-point play with just 14.8 seconds left. That sequence gave USC the lead at 68–65, and feels like the kind of moment Musselman’s teams are built for.
Despite the finite margin, Boise State had every chance to respond. After trading free throws, the Broncos inbounded with 4.2 seconds remaining. Javan Buchanan, who had carried so much of Boise’s offense, got a look from deep — but it wasn’t meant to be for the Broncos.
Key Contributors & Statistics
- Chad Baker-Mazara was instrumental for USC, tallying 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, a block and a steal. His hustle on both ends kept Trojan momentum alive.
- Ezra Ausar, in his 100th career game, chipped in 9 points and 6 boards, offering timely plays and veteran presence.
- Jacob Cofie made his mark too, finishing with 7 points, 3 rebounds and 3 blocks — showing up on both ends when it mattered.
For Boise State:
- Javan Buchanan led the way with 18 points and 6 rebounds, constantly creating and attacking.
- Pearson Carmichael added 14 points, hitting big shots when the Broncos needed momentum.
- Aginaldo Neto chipped in 10 points, making noise off the bench and helping Boise stay within striking distance.
USC shot 44.4% from the field, made 11 of 23 threes, and forced 13 turnovers. They also recorded 7 blocks — another testament to their defensive identity under Musselman. And when Boise closed to within one, the Trojans found enough wisdom and will to survive.
Why This Matters
This win isn’t just another notch on USC’s early-season resume. It’s a statement: this team can defend, finish tight games, and count on more than one way to win. For Musselman, keeping the wheels turning in Maui — especially against a disciplined, scrappy mid-major like Boise State — says a lot about the direction his program’s heading.
For Boise, the loss stings. But there’s no shame here. They rebounded ferociously. They fought in the trenches. They had multiple chances. This is growth. This is a team that’s not content to be a footnote — they want to be a headline.
What’s Next
USC now moves on to face Seton Hall in the winner’s bracket semifinal on Tuesday — another tough match, another chance to prove they’re not just a November surprise. Boise State slides into the loser’s bracket, where they’ll take on NC State next — a matchup that could very well define the rest of their Thanksgiving week.
Feast Week, Maui Style
Tuesday’s slate continues to reassure us that Maui is still one of the crown jewels of Feast Week. Sure, the Players Era Festival in Vegas is chasing clicks and showing off big names, but in Maui — under the swaying palms, in a packed civic center — you feel the heartbeat. Games like this, with defense, drama and veteran edge, matter. They make you forget your Zoom meeting waiting back on the mainland.
If you’re watching Feast Week for meaning, not just marquee brands, this is where you want to be tuned in. USC found a way to win. Boise showed it belongs. And for true hoops fans — that’s exactly why November still kicks ass.
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