PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — In a thrilling matchup, Tru Washington led the charge with 20 points as New Mexico triumphed over Southern California with a final score of 83-73 during the third-place contest at the Acrisure Classic. Donovan Dent made significant contributions as well, tallying 17 points alongside 11 assists and six rebounds.

Nelly Junior Joseph chipped in with 15 points for New Mexico (6-2), while Mustapha Amzil added another 10 points. A crucial moment in the game saw Dent and Washington nail consecutive three-pointers, bookending a swift layup from CJ Noland. Atiki Ally Atiki capped off a decisive 10-0 run with an impressive dunk, extending the Lobos’ lead to 57-43 with just over 13 minutes remaining, allowing them to maintain a double-digit advantage until the closing moments.

On the other side, Josh Cohen was a standout for USC (5-3) with 14 points. Chibuzo Agbo and Desmond Claude supported with 13 points each, while Terrence Williams II contributed 11 points. Agbo initiated the scoring spree with a pair of three-pointers, helping the Trojans secure an early 8-4 advantage. However, New Mexico quickly regained momentum, rattling off the next eight points. Saint Thomas countered with a three-pointer, and Williams managed to sink one of two free throws, leveling the score momentarily. Yet, Braden Appelhans quickly responded with a three-pointer, re-establishing a 15-12 lead for the Lobos with 11:38 left in the first half, and they never looked back from that point on.

Dent’s consistency is remarkable; he is currently the only player in the nation to achieve a minimum of 10 points and five assists in every game this season. His performance, along with that of his teammates, played a pivotal role in New Mexico’s victory over Southern California.