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Duquesne Today
By the People, for the People
USC's NCAA Tournament hopes dim with Baker-Mazara injury
Trojans star forward re-aggravates knee injury in loss to Nebraska
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The USC Trojans' NCAA Tournament aspirations took a major hit after their 82-67 loss to Nebraska on Saturday. Not only did the defeat damage their March Madness chances, but star forward Chad Baker-Mazara sustained a knee injury that forced him to exit the game early.
Why it matters
Baker-Mazara has been USC's leading scorer this season, averaging 18.5 points per game. His injury is a significant blow to the Trojans' postseason hopes, as they now face an uphill battle to secure an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament with only two regular-season games remaining.
The details
Baker-Mazara re-aggravated an existing knee injury in the second half of the Nebraska game when he went up to block a shot. He finished with 14 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in 19 minutes of play before leaving the game. With the loss, USC fell to 18-11 on the season and 7-11 in Big Ten play, putting their NCAA Tournament chances in jeopardy.
- Baker-Mazara was injured in the second half of USC's 82-67 loss to Nebraska on March 1, 2026.
- USC has only two regular-season games remaining, against Washington and UCLA.
The players
Chad Baker-Mazara
A fifth-year transfer from Auburn, Baker-Mazara has been USC's leading scorer this season, averaging 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
USC Trojans
The USC men's basketball team, which is now 18-11 overall and 7-11 in Big Ten play, putting their NCAA Tournament hopes in serious jeopardy.
What they’re saying
“Chad Baker-Mazara re-aggravated an injury to his knee early in the second half of USC's loss to Nebraska, and did not return after leaving the game.”
— Connor Morrissette, 247Sports Reporter (247Sports)
What’s next
With only two regular-season games remaining, USC will need to win out and have a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament to have a chance at securing an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The status of Chad Baker-Mazara's knee injury will be a key factor in determining the Trojans' postseason fate.
The takeaway
Chad Baker-Mazara's injury is a devastating blow to USC's NCAA Tournament hopes, as he has been the team's leading scorer and a key contributor this season. The Trojans now face an uphill battle to secure an at-large bid, underscoring the importance of player health and depth in the high-stakes world of college basketball.
