LOS ANGELES — In an exciting matchup on Thursday night, Josh Cohen scored 19 points and Saint Thomas drained a crucial late 3-pointer, helping Southern California withstand a challenge from Idaho State, ultimately winning 75-69.

Idaho State took a brief lead at 58-57 with 8:45 remaining, thanks to Dylan Darling who converted both ends of a one-and-one after a layup. USC (2-0) quickly regained the upper hand with a three-point advantage; however, Evan Otten reduced the gap by hitting 1 of 2 free throws, followed by a dunk that brought the game even at 63 with just over four minutes left on the clock.

Clark Slajchert contributed by connecting on 2 of 3 free throws after being fouled during a 3-point shot attempt. Following a turnover by the Bengals, Cohen added a jumper, giving the Trojans a 68-65 lead with 2:25 to go. Idaho State (0-2) responded with a fastbreak layup from Jake O’Neil after a missed 3-pointer by Slajchert, narrowing the deficit to a single point.

In the closing moments, both teams struggled to find the basket before Thomas hit a pivotal 3-pointer with just 18 seconds left, extending the USC lead to 71-67. Although Darling managed a layup with 4.5 seconds on the clock, Slajchert sealed the victory for the Trojans by converting two free throws for a four-point edge.

For USC, Cohen showcased his shooting skills, making 8 of 12 field goals and 3 of 4 from the charity stripe. Wesley Yates III was an impactful contributor off the bench, adding 13 points, while Thomas’s stat line included 10 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.

Idaho State’s Darling, a sophomore who transferred from Washington State, shined brightly with a career-high 22 points, while Isaiah Griffin chimed in with 10 points. O’Neil was also solid, finishing the game with nine points and nine rebounds.

Cohen delivered a layup in the final seconds, wrapping up a first half in which he scored 12 points to help USC enter the locker room leading 38-35. Darling’s 15 points kept Idaho State competitive, especially after they endured an early 19-7 deficit. The Bengals managed to stay close, converting a remarkable 14 of 16 free throws, in contrast to USC, which made only 6 of 14 attempts from the line.

With their season now in full swing after a 77-51 home win against Chattanooga, USC will be looking forward to hosting UT Arlington on Wednesday.