Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas carry No. 21 USC men’s basketball past Wichita State
Wichita State’s Jordan Frison (5) dribbles against USC’s KJ Lewis (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Lake Tahoe, Calif. (AP Photo/Hale Irwin)
Wichita State’s Jahari Long (11) tries to dribble past USC’s Adonis Ratliff (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Lake Tahoe, Calif. (AP Photo/Hale Irwin)
USC’s KJ Lewis (2) tries to move past Wichita State’s Bryce Heard (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Lake Tahoe, Calif. (AP Photo/Hale Irwin)
Wichita State’s Jordan Frison (5) dribbles past USC’s Desmeon Jones (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Lake Tahoe, Calif. (AP Photo/Hale Irwin)
USC Aaron Hunkin-Claytor (30) passes the ball to teammate Darius Ratliff (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against against Wichita State on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Lake Tahoe, Calif. (AP Photo/Hale Irwin)
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Wichita State’s Jordan Frison (5) dribbles against USC’s KJ Lewis (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Lake Tahoe, Calif. (AP Photo/Hale Irwin)
STATELINE, Nev. — Rodney Rice had 32 points and nine assists, Alijah Arenas added 30 points and No. 21 USC beat hot-shooting Wichita State 93-86 on Sunday night in the inaugural Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic.
The Trojans (2-0) prevailed despite making just two 3-pointers, relying on their stars, free-throw shooting and a decisive advantage in turnovers.
Michael Gray Jr. led Wichita State (1-1) with 18 points, while Jordan Frison and William Berg each added 17.
Wichita State led 45-43 at halftime after hitting seven of its first 12 attempts from beyond the arc. The Shockers built an 11-point lead late in the first half before USC rallied to tie it at 43.
The teams traded baskets throughout much of the second half before Arenas helped USC gain separation. He scored three baskets during a key stretch, including a jumper following a Wichita State turnover, to help the Trojans build a 75-69 advantage with 6:22 remaining.
Wichita State continued to battle, pulling to 86-83 on Frison’s layup with 58 seconds left. But Rice sank two free throws, and the Shockers missed several late 3-point attempts.
Adoni Ratliff had 10 points and 13 rebounds for USC.
Up next
USC: At California on Wednesday night.
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