LOS ANGELES — The USC Trojans opened their 2025–26 season with an emphatic 94–64 win over Cal Poly on Monday night at the Galen Center. Behind a balanced scoring attack and relentless defense, the Trojans showed early signs that they could be a serious force in the Pac-12 this season.
Sophomore forward Jacob Cofie led the way for USC, recording a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double while shooting an efficient 9-of-12 from the field. Senior forward Ezra Ausar and junior guard Rodney Rice each added 21 points, giving the Trojans three players over the 20-point mark in their season debut.
“We came out with a lot of energy and wanted to make a statement,” Cofie said postgame. “It’s just about setting the tone early for the kind of team we want to be this year.”
USC wasted little time establishing control. The Trojans opened the game on a 9-0 run, fueled by fast-break offense and stifling pressure on the defensive end. Cal Poly fought back to close the gap to six at halftime, trailing 37–31, but the second half was all USC.
The Trojans erupted for 57 points after the break, turning defensive stops into easy transition buckets. Their bench contributed key minutes as well, keeping the energy level high and allowing the starters to maintain their rhythm throughout the game
Defensively, USC forced 22 turnovers and limited Cal Poly to just 33% shooting from the floor. The Trojans’ length on the perimeter and aggressive closeouts kept the Mustangs off balance, especially from beyond the arc, where they managed only 27% shooting.
“Our defense is where it starts,” head coach Eric Musselman said after the game. “When we pressure the ball, rebound, and get out in transition, that’s when we’re at our best.”
With the win, USC improves to 1-0 on the season and will look to build on its momentum as non-conference play continues. The Trojans return to the Galen Center later this week before heading on the road for a pair of early-season tests.
For Cal Poly, now 0-1, the loss serves as a learning experience. The Mustangs showed flashes of offensive rhythm in the first half but struggled to contain USC’s pace and size after the break.
