EUGENE, Ore. — The USC men’s basketball team survived a stiff road test to begin conference play and remained unbeaten.

Chad Baker-Mazara scored 25 points and Jacob Cofie added 17 as No. 24 USC defeated Oregon, 82-77, on Tuesday night in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

USC, which entered the AP Top 25 on Monday for the first time in more than two years, improved to 8-0 to continue its best start since the 2021-22 season.

Again playing without leading scorer Rodney Rice due to an injury, the Trojans pulled away in the final two minutes. USC shot 50.9% from the field, including 8 for 21 from 3-point range.

Ezra Ausar had 13 points and eight rebounds for USC, while Jaden Brownell and Jerry Easter II each had 11 points.

Oregon (4-4) dropped its fourth straight game despite Kwame Evans

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