USC Trojans Basketball Coach Eric Musselman Addresses Questionable Big Ten Referees

The USC Trojans men’s basketball team lost to the Michigan Wolverines, 85-74. The Trojans now fall to a 9-5 record, 1-2 in the Big Ten Conference. The Wolverines are now 11-3 overall and 3-0 against Big Ten opponents.

One of the biggest problems with the Trojans was the number of fouls called against USC, 15 in the second half. USC guard Desmond Claude fouled out while playing a big game, and guards Wesley Yates and Chibuzo Agbo were also in foul trouble late in the game. USC finished the game with 21 fouls.

After the game, USC coach Eric Musselman was asked if there was any frustration with the refs. Musselman tried to remain calm about the foul trouble, but acknowledged there were problems.

“I mean, it’s there, but I don’t want to say it. I’m a first-year coach in the league, you know. So is Dusty, but it’s not worth talking about, to be honest. Because there was a stretch there that we didn’t try to foul,” Musselman said. “We tried to be super disciplined and they went to the foul line. Because we were much more aggressive early in the game and there were no mistakes.”

Claude contamination was a major blow to USC. Without him, the offense struggled a little more on the field. He has been a bright spot for the offense this season and before he went out, Claude had scored 19 points. Yates also scored 19 points in the game.

MORE: Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams defends offensive line, talks future head coach

MORE: USC Trojans expected to land 4-star recruit Deshonne Redeaux over UCLA, Oregon

MORE: Miami to land transfer portal receiver Zachariah branch over Georgia? Visit

Aside from Claude and Yates, USC forward Saint Thomas scored just ten points, Agbo scored nine and forward Josh Cohen scored just three points. Although fouling was an issue, the loss cannot be solely blamed on the referee.

While Musselman was frustrated with the referee, he gave Michigan credit for the win. The Wolverines are a tough team, undefeated against conference opponents, and the Trojans couldn’t get the job done. Michigan center Danny Wolf scored 21 points against the Trojans.

“So it is what it is. There’s no excuse. Michigan beat us. Like I said, it wasn’t a one-point game, so maybe I have a different tone about it,” Musselman said. “Like I said, it is what it is and Michigan outplayed us. Big credit to them, they had a big audience. So it is, they have a heck of a basketball team with a lot of talented players. Danny Wolf is an NBA player.”

The biggest lead of the game for USC was by just two points. It’s been a while since the Trojans last played in a game. Before the game against Michigan, USC last played on Dec. 22. The Trojans will need to regroup and look to get back on a winning streak after this loss.

Trojans will be on the road in the next few games. The USC Trojans will next face the 11-3 Indiana Hoosiers at Bloomington Assembly Hall on January 8th. They will look to even their conference record and then head to Illinois to face No. 22 Fighting Illini.