USC Basketball Slams into a Wall: New Mexico Hands Trojans Crushing Loss in Acrisure Classic

It was a tough night for the USC basketball team as they fell short against New Mexico in the Acrisure Classic third-place game on Friday night in Palm Desert. Despite Josh Cohen's impressive 14-point performance, the Trojans struggled to keep up with the Lobos' relentless pace, ultimately succumbing to a 83-73 defeat.

The game got off to a rocky start for the Trojans, who found themselves chasing the Lobos from the opening tip. New Mexico's offense was firing on all cylinders, with their shooters seemingly unable to miss from anywhere on the court. The Lobos' defense, on the other hand, was stifling, holding the Trojans to tough, contested shots that rarely found the bottom of the net.

As the game wore on, the Trojans began to find their footing, but it was too little, too late. Despite a valiant effort, USC was unable to bridge the gap, and the Lobos' lead only continued to grow. The final buzzer sounded, and the Trojans were left to ponder what could have been.

For Cohen, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. The standout player had been on a tear all tournament, and his 14-point performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing outing for the Trojans. However, even his best efforts couldn't stem the tide of the Lobos' onslaught.

USC's struggles against New Mexico served as a harsh reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for the team. With a tough schedule looming, the Trojans will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to turn their season around. For now, they'll have to live with the bitter taste of defeat, and the knowledge that they came up just short in the Acrisure Classic.