LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — Nick Martinelli scored 22 points to lead Northwestern to a 74-68 victory over Southern California in a nonconference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Galen Center.

The Wildcats, who led 31-28 at halftime, used a decisive 44-28 advantage in points in the paint to secure the road win. Northwestern improved to 9-10 overall, while the Trojans fell to 14-5.

Martinelli added five assists for Northwestern. Jordan Marsh led Southern California with 19 points, and Ezra Ausar added 17. Both teams struggled from 3-point range, combining to shoot 5 for 28. Southern California also hurt its cause by making just 26 of 43 free throws. Attendance was 4,853.