USC’s NCAA tournament hopes took a hit with an 84-69 loss to Wisconsin. At 11-7, the Trojans need to finish strong in their final 13 games to boost their March Madness dreams in USC coach Eric Musselman’s first season.

It will be the fifth meeting between these two programs, with the series tied 2-2, but the Trojans are 2-0 at home against the Badgers. Tip-off is set for 12:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

Sophomore guard John Blackwell’s 28-point performance led the victory. He excelled as USC dedicated its game plan to stopping leading scorer John Tonje — who was held scoreless on 0-of-3 shooting. Trojans head coach Eric Musselman had much to say postgame about Blackwell’s play and the Badgers’ overall quality.

The Trojans cut a one-time 19-point Wisconsin second-half lead to three, but the Badgers outplayed USC in virtually every facet to close out the game.

USC has taken significant strides since early-season losses to Cal, Saint Mary’s, New Mexico and Oregon. Part of that surge is due to resurgent offensive form — 82 points in a road win over Illinois and 99 in a win over Iowa.

The Wisconsin men are riding high right now, winners of seven in a row including a convincing win at USC this past Saturday. Now, they look to finish off a Cali

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

BOTTOM LINE: USC hosts No. 24 Wisconsin after Desmond Claude scored 25 points in USC's 99-89 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Trojans are 9-3 on their home court. USC averages 77.5 points and ...

Wisconsin heads out west to take on a surging USC team in Big Ten play.  The Badgers have emerged as a contender in the league around the fine play of John Tonj

The margin for error was always going to be razor thin for Eric Musselman in his first season as USC men’s basketball coach.

No. 24 Wisconsin visits the UCLA Bruins after John Blackwell scored 28 points in the Badgers' 84-69 win against the USC Trojans.