New Mexico overcomes USC with strong performances from Washington and Dent

In Palm Springs, California, on Friday night, New Mexico faced Southern California in the Acrisure Classic third-place game. Tru Washington led New Mexico's offense with 20 points and strong support came from Donovan Dent, who contributed 17 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds. As the game progressed, New Mexico established a commanding lead, including a pivotal 10-0 run that extended their advantage to 57-43. This marked a turning point as they maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half. Additionally, Nelly Junior Joseph added another 15 points, while Mustapha Amzil scored 10, highlighting the balanced scoring for New Mexico. USC attempted to keep pace with contributions from Josh Cohen, who scored 14 points, and Chibuzo Agbo and Desmond Claude, who each chipped in 13 points. Despite a series of 3-pointers from Agbo to momentarily take the lead early in the game, New Mexico quickly responded, regaining control. The Lobos consistently countered USC’s efforts, resulting in a steady lead that allowed them to secure the victory comfortably. This win improved New Mexico's record to 6-2 for the season, while USC slipped to 5-3. The game was characterized by intense play, particularly as Dent showcased his impressive skills once again, marking him as the only player nationally to have recorded at least 10 points and five assists in every game of the season up to that point. The strong performance from New Mexico can be attributed to their teamwork and strategic execution, which outmatched USC's efforts. As the season progresses, this victory could serve as a crucial confidence booster for New Mexico. This matchup not only reflected the competitiveness of collegiate basketball but also underscored the individual talents within these teams. The ability of players like Washington and Dent to rise to the occasion against a formidable opponent such as USC may have lasting implications for their performance in future games. With the momentum gained from this victory, New Mexico is poised to make a significant impact in their upcoming matches, aiming to improve their standings within the season.