Desmond Claude scores 31 as USC upsets No. 13 Illinois 82-72

Desmond Claude scored a season-high 31 points, leading USC to an 82-72 upset over No. 13 Illinois in Champaign. This victory improved USC's record to 10-6 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten. USC outperformed Illinois, the top rebounding team, by grabbing 37 rebounds compared to Illinois' 34. The Trojans shot 52.3% from the field, while Illinois struggled at 37.1%. The win snapped USC's two-game losing streak and marked a significant achievement in Eric Musselman's first season as head coach. USC will host Iowa next.