Los Angeles, California — The 2025 NCAA Tournament second round heats up Monday night as top-seeded USC Trojans face off against the No. 9 seed Mississippi State Bulldogs. The game takes place at the Galen Center, where the Trojans are eager to end a 40-year championship drought.
USC will look to build momentum after their impressive opening-round victory, where they dominated No. 16 seed UNC Greensboro with a staggering score of 71-21. Star guard led the Trojans with 22 points, while forward Kiki Iriafen contributed a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. This performance showcased USC’s formidable defense, which held the Spartans to fewer than 10 points in every quarter.
On the flip side, Mississippi State enters the contest with determination after a gritty 59-46 win against No. 8 seed California. The Bulldogs executed a strong defensive strategy, limiting Cal to just 46 points. Key players Madina Okot and Eniya Russell each scored 14 points, providing the offensive support necessary to secure the victory.
As both teams gear up for this crucial clash, the stakes are high: the winner will advance to the Sweet 16 and face either Kansas State or Kentucky next Saturday in Spokane, Washington. This matchup promises to be a thrilling display of competition, contrasting USC’s offensive firepower with Mississippi State’s defensive resilience.
The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET) and will be broadcast live on ESPN, ensuring fans across the nation can follow the action. For those unable to watch on traditional television, the game will also be available for streaming on ESPN+ and the ESPN app for subscribers.
