USC Drops Baker-Mazara Amid NCAA Tournament Hopes


Author: The Daily News Now! March 2, 2026 Duration: 1:23
Podcast episode
USC Drops Baker-Mazara Amid NCAA Tournament Hopes

USC Dismisses Leading Scorer Chad Baker-Mazara Amid Controversy: Team Faces Tough Games Ahead

USC has parted ways with graduate student Chad Baker-Mazara, their leading scorer this season, following a series of controversial incidents. The team announced the decision on Sunday, just weeks before the end of the regular season. Baker-Mazara, who appeared in twenty-six games for the Trojans, averaged eighteen point five points, four point two rebounds, and two point eight assists per game. His performance was crucial after another key player got hurt.

The split comes after a puzzling moment in their recent loss to Nebraska, where Baker-Mazara seemed to suffer a leg injury early in the second half but ended up sitting in the stands with fans instead of on the bench. He did not return to the game. USC now faces Washington on March fourth and hosts UCLA on March seventh before the Big Ten Tournament.

Fans have expressed their frustration online, citing Baker-Mazaras history of hot-headed plays, including last years elbowing incident. At twenty-six years old, he is one of the older players in college hoops. The teams performance has suffered due to his ejections, and they have dropped their last five games, eliminating their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

Reports suggest that Baker-Mazaras dismissal was not due to a single incident but a buildup of issues. With two challenging games left, USC will rely on the rest of the roster to finish strong and potentially secure a spot in the conference tournament.

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