USC Wins First Maui Invitational Title 88-75 Over ASU

In Lahaina, Hawaii, the University of Southern California Trojans captured their first Maui Invitational title with an 88-75 victory over Arizona State on Wednesday, led by tournament MVP Chad Baker-Mazara's 23 points.

Baker-Mazara, who earned the same honor last year with Auburn in a 90-76 win over Memphis, shot 9 of 16 from the field and 4 of 9 from beyond the arc against the Sun Devils. His performance anchored a balanced USC attack that overcame the absence of leading scorer Rodney Rice, sidelined by a shoulder injury from earlier in the week. Jaden Brownell contributed 16 points off the bench, Ezra Ausar added 14 on perfect 6-for-6 shooting, Jacob Cofie tallied 11 points with eight rebounds and three blocks, and Jordan Marsh chipped in nine points, including crucial late baskets.

The Trojans dominated inside, holding a 32-21 rebounding edge and shooting 59.6 percent from the field. The game remained close through a 43-43 halftime tie, but USC pulled ahead in the second half. Baker-Mazara scored 10 points in the opening 10 minutes, setting the stage for a surge. Back-to-back baskets by Ausar gave USC its first double-digit lead at 77-66 with 5:14 remaining. After an...