INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Interstat) — Rodney Rice recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists as Southern California remained undefeated with an 87-67 victory over Illinois State in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday night at Intuit Dome.

The Trojans improved to 3-0 behind a dominant defensive performance and a highly efficient offensive outing, while the Redbirds fell to 1-2.

Rice, a 6-foot-5 guard from Clinton, Maryland, controlled the game from start to finish, facilitating the offense and connecting on key shots. His all-around effort was complemented by a formidable frontcourt presence. Seven-foot-five center Gabe Dynes from Independence, Kentucky, provided a major interior impact with 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks in 32 minutes. Forward Chad Baker-Mazara, from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, added 18 points and four rebounds.

Southern California never trailed, establishing control early with a 40-26 halftime lead. The Trojans stretched the advantage to as many as 22 points in the second half, consistently answering any attempt by the Redbirds to build momentum.

The game was defined by Southern California’s stifling defense and its ability to capitalize on Illinois State’s mistakes. The Trojans blocked seven shots and recorded six steals, leading to 15 points off 10 Redbird turnovers. Illinois State managed just four points off USC’s four giveaways.

Offensive efficiency told the story. Southern California scored 87 points on just 69 possessions, an offensive rating of 126.8, while Illinois State managed 67 points on 71 possessions, a rating of 94.1. The Trojans shot 51 percent from the field, connecting on 29 of 57 attempts. Illinois State struggled mightily with its shooting, finishing 24 of 70 from the floor for 34 percent, including a 7-for-32 performance from beyond the arc.

Despite the loss, Illinois State competed on the glass, outrebounding USC 45-38 overall and grabbing 15 offensive boards. However, they could not overcome their poor shooting and ball movement, finishing with only two assists as a team.

For the Redbirds, guard Tyreek Coleman of Aurora, Illinois, led the scoring with 16 points. Johnny Kinziger, a 5-11 guard from De Pere, Wisconsin, added 15 points. Landon Wolf from Cedar Falls, Iowa, contributed eight points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Southern California’s defense was particularly effective in limiting Illinois State’s offensive flow, holding them to just four fastbreak points while generating 13 of their own. The Trojans also found success at the free-throw line, attempting 35 free throws and making 23, compared to Illinois State’s 13 attempts and 12 makes.

The Trojans have now won their first three games by an average of 28 points, having previously defeated Manhattan and Cal Poly by wide margins. Illinois State was coming off a split in its first two contests, a loss to Ohio and a win over Cornell.

Southern California is next scheduled to host Troy on Thursday, Nov. 20. Illinois State continues its road trip at Long Beach State on Sunday, Nov. 16.