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2w ago

Alijah Arenas Debuts for USC in 74–68 Loss to Northwestern

USC will now gauge his ramp-up to steady a faltering conference push.

USC guard Alijah Arenas, right, shoots as Northwestern forward Arrinten Page defends during the first half of their Big Ten game on Wednesday night at the Galen Center. Arenas had eight points on 3-of-15 shooting in 29 minutes in his collegiate debut. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Overview

  • The five-star freshman started and logged 29 minutes, finishing with eight points on 3-for-15 shooting, 0-for-6 from three and 2-for-6 at the line.
  • He delivered an early 360-degree spin layup that drew a roar from the Galen Center crowd but otherwise showed expected rust.
  • Coach Eric Musselman said the results were unsurprising given Arenas reclassified, missed the summer after knee surgery and is entering Big Ten play without a nonconference ramp-up.
  • USC’s shooting woes persisted in the 74–68 defeat, going 26-for-43 at the free-throw line and struggling again from deep as Jordan Marsh scored 19 after halftime.
  • Arenas returned less than a year after a car crash that led to a medically induced coma and months after meniscus surgery, rejoining a USC team now 14–5 overall and 3–5 in the Big Ten with road games at Wisconsin and Iowa up next.