Cal works overtime to end 11-game skid vs. USC

Field Level Media|published: Thu 8th February, 01:54 2024

Feb 7, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Jaylon Tyson (20) dribbles the ball against USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. credits: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylon Tyson recorded 27 points and 11 rebounds and Cal halted an 11-game losing streak against Southern California with an 83-77 overtime triumph on Wednesday night at Berkeley, Calif.

Jalen Cone scored 20 points and Fardaws Aimaq added 15 points and a season-best 20 rebounds for the Golden Bears (10-13, 6-6 Pac-12), who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Jalen Celestine had 11 points and eight rebounds as Cal beat the Trojans for the first time since Jan. 8, 2017, in Los Angeles.

Isaiah Collier scored all of his 20 points after halftime for USC in his first outing after a six-game absence caused by a hand injury. DJ Rodman added 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting for the Trojans (9-14, 3-9), who have dropped seven of their past eight games.

The Golden Bears held a commanding 54-27 rebounding advantage to overcome 14 turnovers.

A layup by Boogie Ellis gave USC a 69-68 lead 52 seconds into overtime, lifting the Trojans to their first lead since the opening seven minutes.

The contest was tied before Celestine buried a trey to give Cal a 75-72 lead with 1:31 left.

Cone hit a 3-pointer to make it a four-point game with 49 seconds to go. Rodman answered with a trey to bring USC within 78-77 with 36 seconds remaining.

However, the Trojans couldn't catch up as Keonte Kennedy made two free throws and Celestine made three of four as Cal held on.

USC trailed by 16 points early in the second half but moved within 67-66 with 1:02 left after layups by Ellis and Rodman. Collier split two free throws with 27 seconds left to tie it.

Tyson missed a 3-point attempt as time expired.

Overall, the Golden Bears made 41.4 percent of their field-goal attempts and hit 11 of 26 (42.3 percent) from 3-point range.

USC shot 43.8 percent from the field, including 6 of 15 (40 percent) from behind the arc. The Trojans led for just 3:01.

Cal enjoyed a 11-point halftime lead and opened the second half with a 3-pointer by Celestine and a layup by Tyson to take a 47-31 lead.

The Trojans rallied, and a layup by Collier allowed USC to move within 61-58 with 4:09 remaining. He sank two free throws to make it a one-point game with 2:36 left.

Cone's 3-pointer gave the Golden Bears a 67-62 lead with 1:58 to play.

Aimaq and Cone each scored 14 first-half points as the Golden Bears led 42-31 at the break.

—Field Level Media