USC Star Chad Baker-Mazara Sidelined for Illinois Game

Head coach Eric Musselman explains absence of key player as USC struggles to stay on NCAA Tournament bubble

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

USC forward Chad Baker-Mazara did not play in the team's blowout loss to No. 10 Illinois on Wednesday night due to a knee strain that has kept him 'day-to-day', according to head coach Eric Musselman. Baker-Mazara, who is averaging a career-high 18.3 points per game this season, was not even present on the USC bench during the game. With the loss, USC's NCAA Tournament hopes have taken a hit as they sit at 18-8 (7-8) heading into the final four games of the regular season.

Why it matters

Chad Baker-Mazara's absence was a significant blow for USC, who is already on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. The team struggled mightily without their leading scorer, losing by 36 points to a top-10 opponent. This loss puts more pressure on USC to finish the season strong and secure a tournament bid.

The details

Baker-Mazara, a 26-year-old fifth-year senior, has played on three consecutive NCAA Tournament teams at his previous schools. However, his current team USC is in grave danger of missing the tournament this year. Musselman said Baker-Mazara's knee injury has kept him 'day-to-day', but the coach declined to provide any further details on the severity of the injury or a timeline for his return.

  • On February 15, 2026, USC lost to No. 10 Illinois 101-65.
  • Chad Baker-Mazara has missed the last game due to a knee strain that has kept him 'day-to-day'.

The players

Chad Baker-Mazara

A 26-year-old fifth-year senior forward for USC, averaging a career-high 18.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game this season.

Eric Musselman

The head coach of the USC men's basketball team, who is trying to lead the team to the NCAA Tournament in his second season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He wasn't available tonight. We'll take it day-by-day.”

— Eric Musselman, Head Coach, USC Men's Basketball (on3.com)

“I think it's always easy to pinpoint effort. I'm not sure it was necessarily an effort thing, it was, like I said, we got outplayed. We didn't have enough shot-making tonight. And they're a heck of a team.”

— Eric Musselman, Head Coach, USC Men's Basketball (on3.com)

What’s next

Four of the five teams remaining on USC's regular season schedule are unranked opponents, providing the team with opportunities to boost their NCAA Tournament resume. Their lone ranked opponent is No. 9 Nebraska, which could be a crucial Q1 win if USC can pull off the upset.

The takeaway

Chad Baker-Mazara's injury is a significant setback for USC as they try to secure an NCAA Tournament bid. The team struggled mightily without their leading scorer, and they now face an uphill battle to finish the season strong and earn a spot in the Big Dance.