USC star Chad Baker-Mazzara’s knee injury is Eric Musselman’s uncertain update

ByNBAUSA



USC basketball they had a rough week – falling short of a big comeback win at Iowa and barely surviving Rutgers at home – but bounced back with an 81-76 victory against the visiting Indiana Hoosiers on Tuesday night. Although, even in victory, the Trojans still received bad news. Chad Baker-Mazzara, one of the top guys on the team and one of the most experienced players in the country, left the game after suffering a lower body injury.

USC’s leading scorer limped to the locker room and later returned with crutches and ice on his knee. The Trojans certainly deserve credit for surviving Indiana without him, but their NCAA Tournament hopes could take a huge hit if he’s out for an extended period of time. Fans didn’t get much clarity after the game.

“UPDATE: USC HC Eric Musselman hasn’t given a specific update on Chad Baker-Mazzara’s injury status, but he’s assuming it’s an MCL sprain and won’t know until Baker-Mazzara gets an MRI,” reported Adrian Medina of the Sporting Tribune on Ks.

26-year-old wing, which has also played for AuburnSan Diego State and Duquesne finished with seven points on 3-of-10 shooting against the Hoosiers. Although he can be streaky from the field and has lost his temper in the past, Baker-Mazzara is a strong player when healthy. He is averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 37 percent from the 3-point line.

Musselman will get a headache trying to figure out how to replace that kind of late-season production. Five-star freshman Alijah Arenas would be key if Baker-Mazara is ruled out. Fortunately, he enjoyed a career night at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, scoring 29 points on 9-of-23 shooting. He he suffered a lot in his senior year, but could be poised for a rise.

The Trojans will need him, with or without No. 4. Hopefully Musselman will have an update soon. After playing 141 games, fans have to wonder if Chad Baker-Mazara is finally out of college. He is begging for one last ride in March.





2026-02-04 08:46:00

Similar Posts