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Did Northwestern Wildcats' Second Half Surge Overcome USC Trojans' Defense?

The Northwestern Wildcats improved their record to 12-6 after a hard-fought victory against the USC Trojans, who now stand at 10-8. The game concluded with a score of 74-68 in favor of the 'Cats. This match was held at the Galen Center, where both teams showcased their skills in front of an audience of 4,853.


Jan 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Max Green (10) dribbles the ball against Southern California Trojans forward Jaden Brownell (33) in the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

First Half


The first half saw both teams battling for dominance. The Wildcats managed to secure a narrow lead by scoring 31 points compared to the Trojans' 28. Key contributions came from Phoenix Gill and Tre Singleton, who were instrumental in maintaining this edge through effective field goals and assists.


Second Half


In the second half, Northwestern's offensive strategy paid off as they scored an impressive 43 points. Nick Martinelli led this charge with his dynamic playmaking abilities and crucial baskets that kept the momentum on their side. The 'Cats capitalized on fast breaks and second-chance opportunities, which proved vital against USC's resilient defense.


Jan 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Jake West (3) shoots the ball against Southern California Trojans guard Alijah Arenas (0) in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Final Analysis


Despite USC's efforts to close the gap with strong performances from their bench players contributing a total of 20 points, it was not enough to surpass Northwestern's well-coordinated team play. The Wildcats displayed superior efficiency with a field goal percentage of 45 percent compared to SC’s lower shooting accuracy.


As fans digest these post-game thoughts about Northwestern Wildcats’ performance, attention turns towards their upcoming clash against UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on January 24th at 6:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch all the action live on Fox Sports 1.


Jan 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

For more insights into this game and future matchups like "Northwestern Wildcats vs USC Trojans result analysis," stay tuned! Share your thoughts and spread this article among fellow fans!

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