USC Hosts Iowa in a Big Matchup with Momentum on the Line

The USC Trojans are back in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, ready to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Both teams are coming off solid wins, and they’re looking to keep that energy alive as they hit the midway point of the season.

USC: Confidence is Building

After two tough losses, USC (10-6, 2-3 Pac-12) got back on track with an 82-72 win over No. 13 Illinois last Saturday.

• Desmond Claude on Fire:
  • Claude dropped a season-high 31 points in that game and continues to lead the team with 15.9 points per game.
  • “We’re moving in the right direction,” said coach Eric Musselman. “This team plays hard, and that’s all you can ask for.”

This game also marks USC’s return home after wildfires disrupted several events in the area, adding a bit of extra weight to this matchup.

Iowa: Time to Prove It on the Road

The Hawkeyes (12-4, 3-2 Big Ten) have been looking strong lately, coming off an 85-60 blowout win over Indiana.

• Dynamic Duo Leading the Way:
  • Payton Sandfort leads Iowa in scoring with 16.9 points per game, and Owen Freeman isn’t far behind with 16.6. Freeman had 16 points and 12 rebounds against Indiana, his third double-double this season.
• Fixing Their Weak Spot:
  • Iowa’s rebounding has been hit or miss this season, but they dominated the boards against Indiana with a 37-31 advantage. Coach Fran McCaffery said, “The key was rebounding. We’ve got to keep that up, especially as we use more zone defense.”

That’s great progress, but Iowa is still searching for their first true road win of the season. Tuesday’s game could be their chance to break through.

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What to Watch

1. Momentum Builders:
   • Both teams are riding high after recent wins. USC wants to keep the good vibes going at home, while Iowa is looking to stay hot and grab a road win.
2. Star Power:
   • Desmond Claude (USC) and Payton Sandfort (Iowa) are the guys to watch. They’ve been leading their teams in scoring and will need to step up big.
3. Battle on the Boards:
   • Iowa’s improvement in rebounding could be tested against a USC team that’s ready to protect their home court.
4. A Rare Matchup:
   • It’s been almost 40 years since these two teams last faced off, and it’s Iowa’s first trip to LA since 1983.

The Bottom Line

Both teams have something to prove in this game. USC’s home-court advantage and momentum from beating a ranked team give them an edge, but Iowa’s strong frontcourt and recent rebounding improvement make them a serious threat. Expect a battle from start to finish.