Troy University Athletics
Troy University
USC
Troy Takes on USC in California Finale
11/19/2025 6:57:00 PM | Basketball (M)
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Troy men's basketball will finish out its four-game stretch in the state of California on Thursday night, set for battle against USC at 9 p.m. CT inside the Galen Center.
Troy (4–2) earned one of the most impressive wins in its 75-year history on Tuesday night at San Diego State. The Aztecs were just outside the top 25 in the AP Poll this week, making them the No. 26 ranked team in the country. The win was Troy's highest-ranked win in the KenPom era, dating back to 1997. At tip-off, SDSU was ranked No. 29 by the site.
Troy and USC (3-0) have met once before. In 2017, USC topped Troy 82-77 in Las Vegas.
Game Information
Location: Los Angeles, Calif. - Galen Center (10,258)
The Matchup: Troy vs. USC
When: Thursday, November 20 – 9 p.m. CT
Watch: Big Ten Network
Listen: Troy Sports Media Network
Bedlam in Viejas
Tuesday night's game against San Diego State in Viejas Arena had no shortage of drama. With Troy leading by three with two seconds left in regulation, Miles Byrd nailed a shot from beyond halfcourt to send the game to overtime. In a hostile environment, it was a gut punch to a Troy team that led by as much as 12 in the first half.
However, Troy responded in a resilient way. After the Aztecs forced a second overtime period following a layup in the closing moments, Troy gutted out a signature win in the second overtime. Theo Seng ducked in for a game-winning layup with less than 20 seconds remaining, and Troy improved to 4-2 on the season.
Dowdsational
Thomas Dowd put on a sensational performance on Nov. 18 at San Diego State, finishing the game with 25 points and 19 rebounds. The 19 boards were one off the Troy Division I record set by Fred Spencer in 1996. His 19 rebounds are currently tied for fourth most in a Division I game this season. In addition to the career-high in rebounds, Dowd also set a new high mark in scoring with 25 points.
Road Trippin'
Troy continues its longest road stretch of the season Thursday at USC. The Trojans are preparing for the last of a four-game stretch in the state of California. Following the weeklong stay in the Golden State, the Trojans head straight to Ft. Myers, Fla., for the Coconut Hoops multi-team event.
Scouting USC
USC will play its fourth game of the season on Thursday night, after picking up three early season wins all within the Los Angeles area. Transfers Chad Baker-Mazara (Auburn) and Rodney Rice (Maryland) are at the front of the USC offense, both averaging 18.67 points through three games. USC ranks third in the country in blocks, swatting away 8.3 shots per game.
Up Next
Troy will continue the away stretch by flying to Ft. Myers, Fla., to take part in the Coconut Hoops multi-team event. Action will get underway for the Trojans on Monday at 10 a.m. CT against Toledo. All Coconut Hoops games will be available to stream on FloCollege, while the radio broadcast can be heard on the Troy Sports Media Network.
Notables
- Scott Cross is in his seventh season at the helm of the Trojans, amassing a 107-89 record during his time at Troy. Over the last four seasons, Troy has won 20-plus games each year and finished 23-11 last season.
- According to KenPom, Troy's win on Tuesday night was the sixth-largest upset win so far this season. At the lowest point, The Trojans were given just a 4.8 percent chance of winning the game.
- KenPom also ranks the game number two this season in its "Excitement" list.
- Troy won its first double overtime game since Dec. 2, 2013 on Tuesday night. The Trojans defeated Alcorn State 73-70 in 2013.
- Tuesday night also marked the most points the Aztecs have given up since Dec. 4, 1986 against No. 20 Arizona.
- Troy has never beaten a Big Ten foe, and the Trojans are 0-4 against current members of the conference.
- Troy has faced the difficult challenge of replacing just over 60 percent of its scoring from last season. A multitude of Trojans have led the way so far this season, with Thomas Dowd and Victor Valdes both averaging 16.0 points. Dowd has added 11.0 rebounds per game, while Cooper Campbell has contributed 15.8 points and 4.3 assists per contest.
