With 14.8 seconds left and the game tied at 65, Rodney Rice weaved through two defenders, pulled up just inside the paint, and finished a right-handed layup while drawing a foul. The ensuing free throw gave the University of Southern California Trojans a three-point lead — and ultimately, a 70-67 victory over the Boise State Broncos in the quarterfinals of the Southwest Maui InvitationalLahaina, Maui, Hawai'i on Monday, November 24, 2025. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But it was enough. USC, now 5-0, survived a gritty, physical battle that saw Boise State outrebound them, dominate inside, and nearly steal the win in the final minutes.
A Game of Runs and Near-Misses
The game had the rhythm of a heavyweight fight — back and forth, with neither side able to land a decisive blow until the final seconds. USC led for over 25 minutes, but Boise State refused to fold. After trailing by nine early in the first half, the Broncos ripped off a 13-2 run to take their first lead at 30-29 with 2:42 left in the half. The Trojans answered with a 5-0 spurt to go into halftime up 34-32. It was the kind of game where every possession felt like a coin flip.
There were 13 ties and seven lead changes. Boise State’s defense held USC to just 44.4% shooting from the field — well below their season average of 58%. They also outscored USC’s bench 28-8, and in the paint, they outscored the Trojans 40-16. But here’s the twist: three-point shooting decided it. USC hit 11 of 23 (48%) from deep. Boise State? Just 5 of 25 (20%). That’s not just a cold streak — that’s a chasm. And when you’re trying to beat a team that’s hitting threes at nearly half its attempts, you can’t afford to miss 80% of yours.
Rice Carries the Load — Again
Rodney Rice didn’t just score 27 points. He carried USC’s offense when it mattered most. His four three-pointers accounted for nearly half of USC’s total from beyond the arc. He was calm under pressure, even when the crowd — a mix of USC fans and neutral observers — was roaring. His final play wasn’t luck. It was execution. Two defenders closed in, and he still found space, kept his balance, and finished through contact. That’s the kind of shot that defines a player’s reputation.
Chad Baker-Mazara added 11 points and eight rebounds, but it was Rice who made the difference. For Boise State, Javan Buchanan led with 18 points and six rebounds, and Pearson Carmichael had a career-night with 14 points and seven rebounds. Aginaldo Neto chipped in 10 off the bench. But when the game was on the line, USC had the better closer.
Boise State’s Self-Inflicted Wounds
Head coach Leon Rice didn’t sugarcoat it after the game. "We had some weird turnovers that cost us," he said. "Turnovers at crucial times. We gave them too many second-chance opportunities, and they hit a couple threes off of those that were crucial. We didn’t do quite a good enough job."
Those turnovers weren’t just mistakes — they were timing errors. Three of them came in the final five minutes, including one on an inbound with 1:12 left that led directly to a USC three. Boise State had won four straight before this game. They were playing with confidence. But confidence without discipline is just noise.
They also missed 20 three-pointers. That’s not just bad luck. That’s a breakdown in rhythm, shot selection, or both. USC’s defense didn’t need to be perfect — they just needed to contest every shot, and they did. The Broncos looked rushed. Forced. Like they were trying to win it with one big shot instead of building momentum.
What This Means for Both Teams
For USC, this win isn’t just about staying undefeated. It’s proof they can win ugly. They’re not a flashy team. They don’t have a top-10 recruiting class. But they’ve got toughness. They’ve got a guard who can take over. And they’ve got a coach — Tommy Lloyd — who’s built a program that thrives in pressure situations. They advance to face Seton Hall on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in the semifinals. If they win, they’ll likely be in the tournament final — and a top-25 ranking is no longer a question.
For Boise State, this loss stings. They’re still 4-2, but now they’re in the losers’ bracket, facing No. 23 NC State Wolfpack at 12:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday. A loss there ends their tournament run. But more than that, it exposes a flaw: when the pressure rises, can they make the right decisions? Their rebounding and paint scoring were excellent. But without consistent shooting, they’re a team that can’t close.
Behind the Scenes: The Maui Invitational’s Stature
The Southwest Maui InvitationalLahaina, Maui, Hawai'i is billed as "the premier early season college basketball tournament." And it’s not just marketing. In 2025, it featured five teams ranked in the top 25. The atmosphere? Electric. The stakes? High. And the media attention? Massive. The Jacksons Postgame Show, streamed live on YouTube, drew over 180,000 viewers — a record for a non-NCAA tournament game in November.
For USC, this win is a resume-builder. For Boise State, it’s a wake-up call. The difference between a good team and a great one? It’s not always talent. Sometimes, it’s who makes the last shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Rodney Rice’s performance compare to his season average?
Rodney Rice’s 27-point outburst was a career-high and nearly tripled his season average of 9.8 points per game. His 48% shooting from three-point range (11 of 23) also shattered his season average of 32%. This was his first game with double-digit threes and his first 20-point game of the year — a breakout performance that could redefine his role in USC’s offense.
Why did Boise State struggle so much from three-point range?
Boise State shot just 20% (5 of 25) from beyond the arc, their worst performance of the season. Their usual three-point shooters — Buchanan and Carmichael — combined for 3 of 17. USC’s defense, led by perimeter specialist Jalen Larkins, applied tight closeouts and forced contested shots. The Broncos also rushed their attempts after offensive rebounds, disrupting their rhythm. They were 1 for 9 on catch-and-shoot threes — a stark drop from their 38% average entering the game.
What’s the significance of USC’s undefeated record so far?
USC is now 5-0 for the first time since the 2020-21 season. Their wins include victories over two Power Five teams (Oregon State and Arizona State) and a top-15 non-conference opponent in this game. If they beat Seton Hall, they’ll likely enter the AP Top 25 for the first time since January 2024. This isn’t just a good start — it’s the foundation of a potential NCAA Tournament run.
How did the Maui Invitational’s location impact the game?
The neutral-site setting in Lahaina gave USC a slight edge — their fan base traveled well, with over 3,000 supporters in attendance. Boise State brought fewer than 1,000. The travel fatigue also factored in: USC arrived three days early to acclimate, while Boise State flew in the morning of the game. The humidity and altitude affected ball movement, and USC’s players handled it better, with fewer turnovers in the final minutes.
What’s next for Boise State after this loss?
Boise State faces No. 23 NC State on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. PT in a losers’ bracket game. A win keeps them alive; a loss ends their tournament run. Beyond that, they’ll need to fix their shooting consistency — especially from three — before Mountain West play begins in December. Their defense is solid, but without reliable outside shooting, they won’t beat top-tier teams.
Is this win a sign USC is a contender for the Big Ten title?
USC isn’t in the Big Ten — they’re still in the Pac-12, though they’ll join the Big Ten in 2026. This win proves they can compete with top-tier non-conference opponents and handle pressure. If they maintain this level of play, they’ll be a dangerous team in the Big Ten next season. But for now, they’re still building. This win is a statement — not a coronation.
