LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive droughts and a decisive disparity at the free-throw line, the Southern California Trojans held off a late charge from the Indiana Hoosiers for an 81-75 victory in a non-conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Galen Center.

A crowd of 6,353 saw the Trojans improve to 17-6 overall, while the Hoosiers, coming off a dramatic double-overtime win at UCLA just three days prior, fell to 15-8.

The most critical phase of the contest unfolded in the final five minutes. Indiana, which had trailed for the entirety of the second half, clawed to within a single possession at 70-67 after a Sam Alexis layup with 4:43 remaining. The Hoosiers had multiple opportunities to tie or take the lead on their next two possessions but came up empty. Lamar Wilkerson missed a three-pointer, and after an Alijah Arenas turnover, Wilkerson missed a tip-in attempt and was fouled. He made both free throws to cut the deficit to 70-69 with 4:09 left, marking the closest Indiana had been since early in the first half.

Southern California responded with the game’s decisive run. Ezra Ausar converted a putback and the accompanying free throw after being fouled, pushing the lead back to four. After an Indiana three-pointer from Nick Dorn made it 73-72, the Trojans’ defense stiffened. The Hoosiers missed their next three field goal attempts and committed a turnover over a crucial two-minute span. Meanwhile, Southern California executed at the line and in transition. A Kam Woods steal led to a Jerry Easter layup, and Arenas and Woods combined to hit four consecutive free throws, capping a 9-2 run that gave the Trojans a 79-74 lead with just 24 seconds left, effectively sealing the outcome.

The game was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. Both teams had an identical 74 possessions, but Southern California maximized theirs, posting an offensive rating of 109.9 compared to Indiana’s 101.9. The primary difference came at the charity stripe, where the Trojans attempted 31 free throws, making 25, while Indiana went 13 for 16. Southern California’s 12-point advantage from the line proved insurmountable.

Indiana’s offense was carried almost single-handedly by Lamar Wilkerson. The 6-foot-6 guard from Ashdown, Arkansas, scored a game-high 33 points in 31 minutes, shooting 10 of 23 from the field and 6 of 14 from three-point range. No other Hoosier reached double figures. Tucker DeVries and Conor Enright combined for just 8 points, though Enright dished out 8 assists.

Southern California countered with a more balanced and efficient attack. Alijah Arenas, a 6-foot-6 guard from Woodland Hills, California, led the Trojans with 29 points on 9-of-18 shooting. Kam Woods added 18 points and played a game-high 39 minutes. The frontcourt duo of Ezra Ausar (12 points, 4 assists) and Jacob Cofie (9 points, 5 assists) facilitated the offense from the post, and the Trojans’ interior defense was pivotal, blocking 8 shots compared to Indiana’s 4.

The first half set the tone for a grinding contest. Indiana struggled from deep early, and Southern California built a 35-30 halftime lead despite committing 8 turnovers. The Trojans expanded their lead to as many as 13 points in the second half at 55-42 following an Arenas three-point play before Wilkerson willed Indiana back into the game.

Southern California’s victory snapped Indiana’s two-game winning streak and provided a measure of consistency for the Trojans, who have now won two straight following a two-game skid. Indiana must regroup quickly as it returns to Big Ten play this weekend, while Southern California continues its stretch against conference opponents.