LOS ANGELES — Desmond Claude scored 26 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, and Josh Cohen scored 19 points to lift USC (3-0) to a 98-95 nonconference victory Wednesday over UT Arlington (1-2) before 2.519 at Galen Center.
The Trojans made five straight field goals to end the game. USC shot efficiently, hitting 55 percent from the field. The Mavericks shot 66 percent from three-point range.
USC starts 3-0 for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Coach Eric Musselman has started 3-0 to open nonconference play for five consecutive seasons.
At halftime, USC led 51-47.
The Mavericks outrebounded the Trojans 27 to 23. USC found its main success in the paint, scoring 50 of their 98 points.
Trojans’ Terrance Williams scored 18 points. Wesley Yates had 14 points. Saint Thomas scored 8 points and 7 assists.
Mavericks’ Jaden Well scored 27 points. Jaxon Ellingsworths had 19 points. Raysean Seamster scored 15 points.
Next Up
USC hosts California Golden Bears on Nov. 17
UT Arlington hosts Texas College on Nov. 15