Any USC fan who watched the men’s basketball program during the Andy Enfield era knows the Trojans frequently struggled with free throw shooting in critical moments. On numerous occasions under Enfield, USC lost a game because it was unable to knock down free throws in crucial situations.
However, with a new head coach and an entirely revamped roster, surely the Trojans’ free throw woes would finally go away in 2024-2025, right?
As it turns out, the answer was no.
In Monday night’s Crosstown Showdown against UCLA, USC’s free throw problems of seasons past reappeared at the worst possible time. In the rivalry matchup against the Bruins, the Trojans shot just 57.9% from the line in an 82-76 home loss.
When the game was on the line late, the Trojans were at their worst. Over a seven-plus minute stretch late in the second half, USC went just 3 of 9 from the free throw line. Those six points wound up being the difference in the game.
The backbreaker came with the Trojans trailing 73-72 in the final two minutes. Saint Thomas drew a foul and went to the free throw line with a chance to tie the game or put USC ahead. However, he missed both shots, leaving the Trojans trailing by one. UCLA’s Sebastian Mack proceeded to hit a 3-pointer at the other end, which effectively served as the dagger.
For USC, it was a massive instance of what could have been. Had the Trojans shot better from the free throw line, they may have been able to pull out a massive rivalry victory. Instead, they suffered a heartbreaking loss to their crosstown foes on their home court.