Arenas Delivers Clutch Buzzer-Beater as USC Rallies Past Penn State 77-75 in Big Ten Thriller

USC freshman sensation Alijah Arenas cemented his rising star status with a game-winning buzzer-beater, lifting the Trojans to a thrilling 77-75 road victory over Penn State at the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday. The cold-blooded finish capped a remarkable comeback for the Trojans, who trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half before mounting their rally.

With the score tied at 75-75 and just 0.7 seconds remaining on the clock, Arenas received the inbound pass and drove hard to the basket. The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas elevated and finished with a high-arcing spinning layup off the glass as time expired, sending the USC bench into celebration and silencing the Penn State crowd. The dramatic winner marked Arenas' second consecutive 20-point performance and his most clutch moment yet in his impressive freshman campaign.

Arenas finished with a game-high 24 points, including 11 crucial points over the final four minutes of regulation. His heroics down the stretch were essential as USC fought back from their double-digit deficit, gradually chipping away at Penn State's lead with consistent execution on both ends of the floor. The freshman guard showed remarkable composure for a first-year player, never appearing rattled despite the hostile road environment and high-stakes situation.

The victory improved USC's record to 18-6 overall and marked their third consecutive win, keeping them in strong position in the Big Ten conference standings. The Trojans' resilience in erasing a 12-point second-half deficit demonstrated the team's growing maturity and ability to execute under pressure. USC shot 48% from the field in the second half and forced several key turnovers during their comeback run.

For Penn State, the heartbreaking defeat dropped them to a difficult position as they battled for tournament positioning. The Nittany Lions had controlled most of the game and appeared poised for a signature home victory before USC's late surge. The loss highlighted the thin margins in college basketball, where a single possession can determine the outcome regardless of how well a team plays for 39 minutes and 59 seconds.

Arenas' performance has college basketball fans drawing comparisons to his father's clutch gene, with the buzzer-beater already generating massive social media attention. Several observers noted that Alijah is "everything people hoped for" when elite basketball bloodlines produce the next generation. USC head coach Eric Musselman praised his freshman's poise and decision-making in the final possession, calling it "beyond his years." The Trojans will look to build on this momentum as they continue their Big Ten schedule.