Evans scores 21 points and keys Oregon's 59-second, 7-0 run to stun USC 71-70
#Oregon Ducks#USC Trojans#Kwame Evans Jr#Nate Bittle#College Basketball#Big Ten#Comeback Victory#Rivalry Game
📌 Key Takeaways
Kwame Evans Jr. scored 21 points and sparked Oregon's 7-0 run in the final 59 seconds
Nate Bittle's free throws with 10 seconds left provided the go-ahead points
USC's Chad Baker-Mazara and Ezra Ausar both fouled out in crucial moments
Oregon has now won its last four road games at USC
📖 Full Retelling
Kwame Evans Jr. scored 21 points and Oregon's 7-0 run in the last 59 seconds helped the Ducks steal a 71-70 win over USC on Saturday in Los Angeles. The dramatic victory came in a crucial Big Ten conference matchup where the Ducks (10-17, 3-13 Big Ten) overcame a six-point deficit in the final minute to upset the Trojans (18-9, 7-9 Big Ten). Nate Bittle proved instrumental with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals, while his two crucial free throws with 10 seconds remaining provided the go-ahead points that ultimately secured the win. The game's final sequence saw USC's Chad Baker-Mazara and Ezra Ausar both foul out in critical moments, setting the stage for Oregon's dramatic comeback. With USC leading 70-64 with 1:10 remaining, Evans sparked the comeback with a layup and drew Ausar's fifth foul. After missing the ensuing free throw, Evans buried a three-pointer to cut the deficit to one point. Following a USC miss, Bittle secured the rebound and, after a timeout, caught a lob pass in the lane, was fouled by Baker-Mazara, and made both free throws to seal the victory. Oregon's Dezdrick Lindsay sealed the win by stealing the ball from Alijah Arenas as time expired.
🏷️ Themes
College Basketball, Comeback Victory, Rivalry Games
Amateur basketball played by students of higher education institutions
College basketball is basketball that is played by teams of student-athletes at universities and colleges. In the United States, colleges and universities are governed by collegiate athletic bodies, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercolle...
Intercollegiate sports teams of the University of Oregon
The Oregon Ducks are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent the University of Oregon, located in Eugene. The Ducks compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level as a member of the Big Ten Conference. With eighteen varsity teams, Oregon is best known for i...
Intercollegiate sports teams of the University of Southern California
The USC Trojans (also Southern California Trojans) are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. While the men's teams are nicknamed the Trojans, the women's athletic teams are referred to as either the Trojans or Women of Troy (the...
This victory is significant as it demonstrates Oregon's resilience with a dramatic late-game comeback against a conference rival, potentially boosting team morale despite a challenging season. The win also damages USC's conference standing and highlights the impact of key players fouling out in crucial moments.
Context & Background
Oregon trailed by 6 points with just over a minute remaining
USC had two key players, Chad Baker-Mazara and Ezra Ausar, foul out late in the game
The game was a Big Ten conference matchup between two teams with losing conference records
Oregon has now won its last four road games at USC
What Happens Next
Oregon will host 24th-ranked Wisconsin in its next game, seeking to build momentum from this road victory. USC will travel to face crosstown rival UCLA, needing a win to improve its conference record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the leading scorer for Oregon?
Kwame Evans Jr. led Oregon with 21 points.
How did Oregon take the lead in the final seconds?
Nate Bittle made two free throws with 10 seconds left after drawing a foul from USC's Chad Baker-Mazara.
What was the key sequence in Oregon's comeback?
Oregon scored 7 unanswered points in the final 59 seconds, including a layup and three-pointer by Evans and game-winning free throws by Bittle.
Original Source
Evans scores 21 points and keys Oregon's 59-second, 7-0 run to stun USC 71-70 Kwame Evans Jr. scored 21 points and Oregon’s 7-0 run in the last 59 seconds helped the Ducks steal a 71-70 win over USC By The Associated Press February 21, 2026, 7:08 PM LOS ANGELES -- Kwame Evans Jr. scored 21 points and Oregon's 7-0 run in the last 59 seconds helped the Ducks steal a 71-70 win over USC on Saturday. Nate Bittle scored 14 points to go with 11 rebounds and four steals. His two foul shots with 10 seconds left were Oregon's go-ahead points. Takai Simpkins scored 12 and Drew Carter 11 for the Ducks (10-17, 3-13 Big Ten). Chad Baker-Mazara scored 21 points before fouling out, Ezra Ausar scored 15 points to go with 11 rebounds before fouling out, and Alijah Arenas had 13 for the Trojans (18-9, 7-9 Big Ten). With Baker-Mazara and Ausar on the bench, Arenas attempted to split defenders before Oregon's Dezdrick Lindsay swiped the ball and threw it into the front court as time expired. Jacob Cofie made 1 of 2 foul shots to give USC a 70-64 lead with 1:10 left. Evans responded with a layup and drew Ausar's fifth foul to reduce Oregon's deficit to four. Evans missed the foul shot, and in a scramble for the ball, Oregon's Carter threw it out to Evans who buried a 3 to make it 70-69. Arenas missed his shot attempt and Kam Woods missed the follow-up tip-in before Bittle collected the rebound. Out of a timeout, Bittle caught a lob pass in the lane before getting fouled by Baker-Mazara — his fifth — and made the game's final points. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says 2 hours ago Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released after arrest on suspicion of misconduct Feb 19, 4:23 PM Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continues Feb 10, 11:15 PM Oregon has won its last four road games at USC. Oregon: Hosts 24th-ranked Wisconsin on Wednesday. USC: Will make the 30-minute cross-town jaunt to Westwood to face ...
